movies

One day in May 2023, stunt performer Devyn LaBella showed up to the Utah set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, the second part of the sprawling Western series from Kevin Costner, expecting to double for one of the film’s stars in some basic, fairly boring shots. Instead, she says, she was surprised by being subjected to an unscripted, brutal rape scene without proper notice, consent or the presence of a contractually mandated intimacy coordinator.

Now, LaBella is suing Costner and the film’s production companies for sexual discrimination, harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment. Moreover, the complaint alleges LaBella faced retaliation after she reported the incident by not being called back for subsequent work on the Horizon series and never being hired again by the film’s stunt coordinator, with whom she had worked previously

The defence that it was a rehearsal isn't a defence. You still need clear boundaries, and to make both actors comfortable. There still should have been an intimacy coordinator.

This isn't nice for male actors either, they could have been abused themselves. They could have heard it happening to a parent or sibling growing up. If the lawsuit is correct it's just awful all round.

Forget the civil suit for a minute. This is a crime. People belong in prison.

Moreover, given that Hunt and LaBella are members of the performers union SAG-AFTRA, their intimate scenes would also be subject to the labor group’s regulations, which call for prior notice, consent and a closed set.

...so for non-unionized talents the industry assumes it doesn't need prior notice or consent?

This is fucking disgusting and, as mentioned by others here, literally fucking crime

Uhh.... Someone was literally raped on set, in front of an audience, and no one got arrested? Are you fucking serious?