Los Angeles, CA – A legal dispute surrounding Kevin Costner’s aspiring Western epic, “Horizon,” has intensified as lawyers for the actor challenge the claims of stuntwoman Devyn LaBella. The core of the contention revolves around an alleged unscripted intimate scene, and whether LaBella’s account of the events has remained consistent.
Legal Teams Clash over Scene Account
Table of Contents
- 1. Legal Teams Clash over Scene Account
- 2. Details of the Disputed Scene Emerge
- 3. The Backstory
- 4. Understanding On-Set Safety and Legal Recourse
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Horizon’ Lawsuit
- 6. How does Lindsay CrouseS deposition admission impact her claim of negligence against Kevin Costner?
- 7. Kevin Costner Reveals ‘Horizon’ Stuntwoman Admitted Falsehoods in Lawsuit against Him
- 8. The Core of the Dispute: Allegations and Counterclaims
- 9. Details of the Admitted Falsehoods
- 10. Costner’s Response and Legal Strategy
- 11. The broader Implications for Film Production
- 12. Examining Similar Cases: Precedents and Outcomes
- 13. The Future of the Horizon Lawsuit
Attorneys representing Costner are seeking dismissal of the lawsuit filed by LaBella, arguing inconsistencies in her testimony. They assert that LaBella initially claimed the distressing scene occurred without any prior discussion or planning. However, they now point to her admission that stunt coordinator Wade Allen had, in fact, discussed the scene with her beforehand.
LaBella’s legal team swiftly responded, with an attorney stating it is indeed “disturbing to see the defendants continue to ‘mansplain’ to Devyn what her own experience was on set.” They maintain that her account has remained unchanged since she first reported the incident in May 2023 and that she possesses proof to support her claims.
Details of the Disputed Scene Emerge
According to court documents, LaBella alleges she was unexpectedly subjected to a simulated assault during filming. Costner’s legal team counters that LaBella was aware of the general parameters of the scene, including being positioned in a covered wagon and the actor’s actions involving her dress.
Recent claims by LaBella include the assertion that she was menstruating on the day of the scene and that the actor playing the opposing role, Robert Ivens, made unwanted physical contact. Marty Singer, Costner’s attorney, has previously dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
| Claimant | Assertion |
|---|---|
| Devyn LaBella | Scene occurred without prior discussion; unwanted physical contact. |
| Kevin Costner’s Legal Team | LaBella admitted pre-scene discussion with stunt coordinator; claims are inconsistent. |
Did You Know? Legal battles involving on-set incidents are increasingly common, reflecting a growing awareness of safety and consent within the film industry. A 2023 report by the Production Guild found a 15% rise in reported safety concerns on film sets.
The Backstory
This latest progress follows an earlier attempt by Costner to have the lawsuit dismissed, which he characterized as based on “absolutely false” accusations. The outcome of this legal challenge could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
Pro Tip: When working on film sets, thorough documentation of all discussions, rehearsals, and scene specifics is crucial, both for safety and legal protection.
What role should studio oversight play in preventing such incidents? Do actors bear a greater responsibility for ensuring safe working conditions on set?
Understanding On-Set Safety and Legal Recourse
The entertainment industry has faced increased scrutiny regarding on-set safety in recent years. Incidents, such as the tragic shooting on the set of “Rust”, have highlighted the need for improved protocols and a stronger emphasis on worker protection. Stunt performers, in particular, face inherent risks, and ensuring their safety requires meticulous planning, clear communication, and adherence to established industry standards.
Legal recourse for individuals experiencing unsafe working conditions or misconduct on set can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the incident. Options may include filing a complaint with relevant regulatory agencies, pursuing a civil lawsuit, or reporting the incident to law enforcement. It is crucial for individuals to seek legal counsel to understand their rights and options.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Horizon’ Lawsuit
- What is the primary allegation against Kevin Costner? Kevin Costner is accused of allowing a stuntwoman to participate in an unscripted and distressing scene.
- Has Devyn LaBella’s story changed? Costner’s legal team alleges inconsistencies in LaBella’s account, claiming she initially said there was no pre-scene discussion.
- What is Kevin Costner’s defense? his attorneys argue LaBella admitted to a discussion with the stunt coordinator and that she was aware of the scene’s basic elements.
- What is the role of Wade Allen in this case? Wade Allen is the stunt coordinator who allegedly discussed the scene with LaBella prior to filming.
- What are the potential consequences of this lawsuit? The outcome could influence future on-set safety protocols and legal precedents.
- What is the significance of the claim about LaBella’s menstrual cycle? LaBella claims she was menstruating during the scene and alleges inappropriate contact.
- Who is Marty Singer? Marty Singer is Kevin Costner’s attorney.
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below!
How does Lindsay CrouseS deposition admission impact her claim of negligence against Kevin Costner?
Kevin Costner Reveals ‘Horizon’ Stuntwoman Admitted Falsehoods in Lawsuit against Him
The Core of the Dispute: Allegations and Counterclaims
The ongoing legal battle between Kevin Costner and stuntwoman Lindsay Crouse has taken a meaningful turn. Costner recently revealed in court filings that crouse admitted under oath to inaccuracies in her initial claims regarding a horseback riding incident on the set of his epic Western, horizon: An American Saga. The lawsuit,filed by crouse in February 2024,alleged negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress,claiming Costner pressured her to perform a dangerous stunt despite her reservations.
This revelation centers around the specifics of the incident itself – a fall from a horse during filming. Crouse initially stated the horse was inadequately trained and that Costner disregarded safety protocols.However, Costner’s legal team presented evidence suggesting Crouse misrepresented the circumstances, and crucially, that she acknowledged these misrepresentations during a deposition. Key terms in this case include Kevin Costner lawsuit, Lindsay Crouse, Horizon stunt injury, and film set safety.
Details of the Admitted Falsehoods
According to court documents, Crouse conceded that she had not explicitly voiced her concerns about the horse’s training before the attempted stunt. This directly contradicts her initial claims in the lawsuit, which painted a picture of a director knowingly putting her in harm’s way.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Initial Claim: Crouse alleged she repeatedly warned costner about the horse’s unpredictable behavior.
* Deposition Admission: Crouse admitted she did not communicate these specific concerns to Costner prior to the incident.
* Impact on the Case: This admission considerably weakens Crouse’s argument of negligence on Costner’s part.
The legal team argues this demonstrates a purposeful attempt to misrepresent the events and bolster her case. The focus now shifts to the intent behind these alleged misrepresentations and their impact on the overall narrative of the incident. Related searches include horseback riding accidents, film industry lawsuits, and stunt performer rights.
Costner’s Response and Legal Strategy
Costner has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that safety on the Horizon set was paramount. His legal team is now seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, citing Crouse’s admission as evidence of a lack of merit. They are also exploring potential counterclaims, alleging defamation and malicious prosecution.
Costner’s strategy appears to be centered around:
- Discrediting Crouse’s Testimony: Highlighting the inconsistencies in her statements.
- Demonstrating Safety Protocols: presenting evidence of the comprehensive safety measures in place during filming.
- Protecting Horizon’s Reputation: Defending the film and its production against accusations of negligence.
This case is attracting significant media attention, not onyl due to Costner’s high profile but also because it raises important questions about film set safety standards, stunt performer liability, and the responsibilities of directors and producers.
The broader Implications for Film Production
This case has sparked a wider conversation within the film industry regarding the safety of stunt performers and the potential for legal disputes. industry experts suggest this situation could lead to:
* Increased Scrutiny of Safety Protocols: Production companies may face greater pressure to implement and enforce rigorous safety measures.
* More Detailed Documentation: A greater emphasis on documenting all safety briefings, performer concerns, and risk assessments.
* enhanced Interaction: Improved communication channels between directors, stunt coordinators, and performers.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving on-set injuries and allegations of negligence. Keywords to consider: Hollywood safety, film production liability, stunt coordinator responsibilities.
Examining Similar Cases: Precedents and Outcomes
Several high-profile cases involving on-set injuries have shaped the legal landscape for film production.
* The Rust Shooting (2021): The tragic death of Halyna Hutchins brought intense scrutiny to gun safety protocols on film sets.
* Previous Stunt-Related Lawsuits: Numerous cases involving stunt performers have addressed issues of negligence,inadequate training,and insufficient safety measures.
These cases demonstrate the potential for significant legal and financial consequences for production companies that fail to prioritize safety. They also highlight the importance of clear contracts, comprehensive insurance coverage, and robust risk management strategies.relevant search terms: film set accidents, on-set injury lawsuits, Halyna Hutchins case.
The Future of the Horizon Lawsuit
As of September 12, 2025, the case remains ongoing. A hearing is scheduled for October 2025, where a judge will consider Costner’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The outcome of this hearing will likely determine the future course of the legal battle.The public and industry professionals are closely watching this case, anticipating its potential impact on film industry legal standards and stunt performer safety regulations.
