In legal filings, a stunt performer claims she was the victim of a violent, unscripted, and unscheduled r*pe scene directed by Kevin Costner on the set of Horizon 2. The performer alleges that during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 in 2023, Costner directed a scene that was neither scripted nor approved beforehand. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County on Tuesday, May 27. The names of Costner and the production companies involved as defendants, seeking an undisclosed amount in damages and a trial by jury.
Kevin Costner Faces Lawsuit By Stunt Women Over Non-Consensual R*pe Scene In Horizon 2
The documents state she “was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled r*pe scene directed by Kevin Costner.” Her complaint also notes that SAG-AFTRA’s rules prohibit last-minute requests for nudity or simulated sex without proper notice. It typically requires a two-day advance and the performer’s consent, and the presence of an intimacy coordinator—a requirement allegedly included in her contract. She was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt under SAG guidelines. And she was responsible for standing in during physical scenes.
About Civil Complaint
According to her civil complaint, she initially filmed for several weeks “without incident”. She was told she would double for a scripted, aggressive, and intimate r*pe scene involving the lead actress and Douglas Smith’s character Sig. The scene was reportedly filmed on May 1, 2023. It “wrapped” with no issues and was conducted on a closed set due to its sensitive nature. However, the following day, she was on set for a non-intimate scene as a double when she alleges Costner added and directed an unscripted scene involving another actor, Roger Ivens (who played Birke), who was supposed to “climb on top of Ms Hunt, violently raking up her skirt.”
The complaint states this scene was not on the call sheet. It only included scenes with Ms Hunt and Mr. Smith. Ivens is not named as a defendant. Upon learning of the added scene, the lead actress allegedly left the set after refusing to participate. The stunt performer claims Costner instructed her to stand in “without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place.” She insists she never consented to the scene, which she says was outside her role as a stunt double. She also states she was unaware that Ms Hunt left the set after refusing to film the scene. It was supposedly set on an open set.
The complaint describes the scene as directed by Costner. It read, “This unscripted, unrehearsed scene consisted of Mr. Ivens mounting [the stunt performer] while miming the unbuttoning of his pants, and using his body and arms forcibly pinning down [the stunt performer], who was on her back underneath him. Mr. Ivens violently rustled [her] skirt up as if trying to penetrate her against her will,” alleging that the scene was both violent and non-consensual.
What Does Kevin Costner’s Attorney Have To Say?
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, denied the allegations. He said, “Kevin Costner… always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.” Singer, who represents all the production companies listed as defendants, characterised the stunt performer as a “serial accuser”. Also mentioned that the claims have “absolutely no merit” and are “completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts.” He further accused her of “shakedown tactics,” claiming she approved the scene after rehearsing it with another actor. And even gave her stunt coordinator a “thumbs up.”
Singer added, “The facts are clear and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail”. He emphasised that the performer was “in good spirits” on the day of filming. She had reportedly sent a text thanking the stunt coordinator for the opportunity to film.
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Akankshya Mukherjee has a passion for creativity and the drive to contribute as a valuable asset to the organisation. She is hungry for learning new skills. For her professional journey, she sees potential growth in communications, content writing, and reporting.