Kevin Costner Denies 'Bold-Faced Lies' in Stuntwoman's Lawsuit

Costner's Defense Against Lawsuit Allegations

• 🎬 Kevin Costner and his legal team are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by stuntwoman Devin LaBella, who accused him of creating a hostile work environment.
• 🤥 Costner's attorneys argue LaBella's claims are "patently false" and "bold-faced lies," presenting a text message from LaBella to her supervisor expressing gratitude just nine days after the alleged incident.
• 📝 The defense filed a memorandum to strike the entire complaint under California's anti-SLAP statute, asserting the lawsuit infringes upon constitutionally protected speech related to filmmaking.

LaBella's Original Claims

• ⚠️ LaBella sued Costner, Horizon Series, Inc., and others for sex discrimination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and breach of contract.
• 🎬 She alleges she was asked to stand in for an actress during a simulated violent rape scene on the set of "Horizon 2" without notice, choreography, or an intimacy coordinator.
• 🚫 Claims include violations of SAG-AFTRA rules, such as lack of 48-hour notice for such scenes, an unclosed set, and the scene being broadcast on monitors.
• 🚫 LaBella also claims the main actress had refused to perform the scene and that she was blamed afterward, not rehired for "Horizon 3," and allegedly blacklisted.

Defense's Counterarguments on Specific Claims

• 🚫 The defense asserts no rape scene was scripted or filmed, only off-screen depictions of violence.
• 👗 They state the disputed shot involved an actor lifting LaBella's dress while she was fully clothed, lasting only seconds and not being filmed.
• 👍 Witnesses reportedly saw LaBella smiling and laughing during rehearsal, indicating consent after the scene was explained.
• 🗣️ Costner's declaration states LaBella's claims are false and designed to damage his reputation and the "Horizon" films for financial gain.
• 📸 Photographs submitted by Costner allegedly show LaBella appearing at ease during rehearsals.

Legal Strategy and Expert Analysis

• ⚖️ The anti-SLAP motion aims to dismiss lawsuits targeting protected speech, potentially requiring the plaintiff to pay attorney fees if the defense wins.
• 🧐 Expert analysis suggests the anti-SLAP motion is a strategic move to delay litigation and potentially force a settlement, rather than a guaranteed dismissal.
• ❓ The core of the dispute involves two vastly different narratives, with the ultimate determination likely resting with a jury.
• 🤝 If not dismissed early, the case is expected to lead to mediation and settlement, as Costner may wish to avoid a public trial.

Evidence and Witness Declarations

• 💬 Costner highlights LaBella's positive text messages and gratitude expressed after the incident as evidence against her claims.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Declarations from multiple veteran film crew members reportedly back up Costner's account, stating the scene was harmless and consensual.
• 🗣️ LaBella's legal team may argue that witnesses on Costner's payroll have a motive to lie, but multiple consistent accounts could significantly challenge her case.