We learned nothing from the Johnny Depp saga apparently. Let the case play out...

The Allegations (The Plaintiff's Side)

Devyn LaBella, who was the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claims that on May 2, 2023, Costner directed a scene that crossed several professional and legal boundaries:

• The "Unscripted" Claim: LaBella alleges that after the lead actress (Ella Hunt) refused to film a new, improvised sexual assault scene, LaBella was called to the set without being told what the scene involved.
• Lack of Safety Protocols: The lawsuit claims there was no 48-hour notice, no intimacy coordinator present (which is a SAG-AFTRA requirement for such scenes), and the set was not "closed" to non-essential personnel.
• The Scene Itself: She alleges Costner directed a 220lb male actor to pin her down and "violently" pull up her skirts while Costner experimented with camera angles, leading to what she describes as permanent trauma.

The Defense (Costner's Side)

Costner has filed a legal declaration calling the lawsuit a "bold-faced lie" and a "salacious" attempt to damage his reputation. His defense highlights:

• The "Foretelling" Argument: His lawyers argue it wasn't a "rape scene" but rather a scene meant to "foretell" an off-screen assault, claiming there was no simulated sex or thrusting involved.
• Proof of Consent: Costner’s team produced a text message from LaBella sent nine days after the incident, where she thanked her supervisor for "wonderful weeks" and said she was "really happy it worked out the way it did."
• The "Thumbs Up": Witnesses from the crew have testified that LaBella was briefed on the blocking and gave a "thumbs up" to the stunt coordinator before the cameras rolled.

The Current Status (May 2026)

As of late 2025/early 2026, a judge has allowed the lawsuit to proceed, meaning there was enough initial evidence to avoid a dismissal. While Costner successfully had the "coercion" claims thrown out, the claims for hostile work environment and sexual harassment are still moving toward trial.

This isn't a case of a secret, non-consensual act captured on film, but a professional breakdown of on-set safety protocols. Whether it was an "unscripted assault" or a "misunderstood rehearsal" is what the courts are currently deciding.