The cowboy-star faces a critical legal turn as eight of ten claims in a lawsuit regarding his film set move forward — and he’s taking the fight to a higher court.

Claims Resurface, Ruling Stands

November 3, 2025: Veteran actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner has formally filed an appeal following a Los Angeles judge’s decision to allow eight out of ten claims in a sexual harassment lawsuit to proceed. The lawsuit was brought by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who worked on the production of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The court’s ruling means several serious allegations — including sexual harassment, gender discrimination, workplace retaliation and breach of contract — remain live.

In his statement, Costner declared: “I won’t be silenced by false claims. I will fight for the truth and defend my name and my work.”

What the Allegations Involve

LaBella’s complaint asserts that on May 2, 2023, she was directed to perform a violent, unscripted and non-consensual simulated rape scene — one she claims was sprung on her without adequate rehearsal, notice or an intimacy coordinator present, in violation of union protocols. She further alleges a toxic, discriminatory work environment during the film’s production.

Costner denies all allegations, calling them “patently false” and “designed … to damage my reputation”. His legal team contends that the scene was rehearsed, consensual and part of the scripted violence in the film — and they have submitted multiple declarations from cast and crew supporting his version of events.

The Stakes for Costner and the Production

The implications of the case are significant. Beyond legal exposure and potential damages, the production of Horizon 2 — a passion project for Costner — is now under scrutiny. With the lawsuit drawing industry attention, the handling of intimacy protocols, stunt safety and workplace culture are all in the spotlight.

Costner’s decision to appeal signals his intent not only to combat the specific claims but to protect his creative legacy and professional stature. Whether the court’s decision will shift in his favour remains to be seen — but for now, eight claims move forward, and Costner is doubling down on his defense.

What Happens Next?

The appeal process could span months. If the ruling holds, discovery and testimonial evidence will proceed, potentially including depositions, document requests and on-set records. Meanwhile, both sides will be preparing strategy for a possible trial unless a settlement emerges.

For Costner, this is a pivotal moment: the outcome may define the next chapter of his career — and test how Hollywood handles serious misconduct allegations in large-scale productions.