Kevin Costner has encountered a major legal challenge in his ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit brought by Devyn LaBella, a veteran stuntwoman on the set of Horizon II.

On October 16, 2025, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied the actor’s motion to dismiss nine of ten claims, significantly allowing most of LaBella’s allegations to proceed toward discovery and possible trial.

The case, initially filed in May, centers on LaBella’s claim that she was forced to participate in an unscripted, simulated rape scene during filming, a demand made without proper notice, safety protocols, or the presence of mandatory intimacy coordinators.

The judge ruled this evidence could support claims of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creation of a hostile work environment.

Although two claims were dismissed, including one related to alleged fear of physical violence if the scene was not performed, the court found ample grounds to sustain the majority of LaBella’s legal contentions.

Allegations and Counterarguments

Devyn LaBella, who doubles for lead actress Ella Hunt in the Horizon: An American Saga franchise, has alleged that the production deprived her of contractual protections required by SAG-AFTRA agreements.

Her complaint cites the absence of both intimacy and stunt coordinators as a critical breach, which exacerbated the trauma experienced during the contentious filming.

Costner’s legal team, led by attorney Marty Singer, has denounced the lawsuit as baseless and misleading. They argue that the contested simulated sexual scene was thoroughly explained during rehearsals, refuting accusations of surprise or coercion.

Costner himself has described the claims as “bold-faced lies” intended to damage his reputation. The defense intends to promptly appeal the partial denial of their motion.

Judge Jon R. Takasugi carefully distinguished between the claims that warranted dismissal and those that merited continuation.

While the court recognized that evidence didn’t convincingly show LaBella’s fear of physical harm, it stated that a reasonable person could feel harassed by an unplanned, simulated rape scene lacking standard safety measures.

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Kevin Costner (Credit: NBC)

This perspective underlines legal protections pertaining to workplace conduct, beyond creative expression in filmmaking.

The ruling acknowledges the fine balance in labor law, recognizing the artistic nature of film production yet enforcing the right of performers to safe, respectful working conditions.

By affirming LaBella’s claims, the court confirms that creative freedom does not exempt producers or directors from compliance with rigors designed to protect vulnerable crew members on set.

Industry Reactions and Broader Impact

The case is shaping conversations in Hollywood about safety and respect behind the scenes, especially in productions involving intimate or violent scenes.

LaBella’s legal team has expressed confidence in continuing their pursuit of justice and exposing misuse of power during filmmaking. They accuse Costner’s side of using “frivolous motions” to delay and distract from the core issues.

For Costner, a seasoned actor and filmmaker who also financially backs the Horizon franchise, this lawsuit intersects reputational stakes with ongoing career momentum. Horizon II’s delay and the uncertain future of subsequent films compound pressures on the star, whose legal battles play out under public scrutiny.

While the court ruling represents a significant obstacle for Kevin Costner, his legal team is not backing down. Attorney Marty Singer expressed satisfaction with the partial dismissal of two claims but firmly rejected the remaining allegations.

He asserted that the evidence lacks legal and factual merit and announced plans to file an expedited appeal. Singer emphasized that the contested scene had been thoughtfully explained and rehearsed and that the suit represents an attempt to damage Costner’s reputation rather than reflect reality.

The appeal hearing is anticipated to take place in December, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal battle.

The case is scheduled to move into a discovery phase, where witnesses and set personnel will provide testimony about the filming and safety protocols.

Costner’s lawyers have pledged an immediate appeal of the ruling, signaling a prolonged court fight. Meanwhile, LaBella pushes to hold producers accountable and set a precedent for the protection of stunt performers and actors during demanding scenes.

This legal proceeding highlights ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry to balance creative demands with evolving awareness of workplace harassment and safety standards. How this case unfolds may have significant repercussions for future productions involving similar sensitive content.

Kevin Costner’s fight against the Horizon II sexual harassment claims is far from over. With important claims allowed to proceed and the film’s already uncertain release on hold, the saga offers a stark lesson about power dynamics, responsibility, and justice in Hollywood’s high-stakes environment.

Ryan Seacrest, famed host of American Idol, became the focal point of a fierce online backlash after attending the high-profile Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The two-day event, hosted by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and a close ally of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to showcase the kingdom’s entertainment industry as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

Fans and critics quickly accused Seacrest of “selling out” by associating with a regime long criticized for severe human rights abuses, including suppression of dissent and the silencing of journalists. On Reddit and other platforms, users expressed cynicism, one remarking, “That man will do literally anything for a check.”

The uproar highlights growing discomfort over celebrity endorsements that seem to gloss over the complex political realities underpinning Saudi Arabia’s cultural push.

The Joy Forum: Passion and Politics Collide

Founded by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, the Joy Forum bills itself as one of the world’s largest entertainment gatherings. Intended to “foster a joyful culture” and “build a vibrant society,” the Forum fits into Riyadh’s strategic efforts to transform from a traditionally conservative city into a global entertainment hub.

The event brings together stars from Hollywood, Bollywood, sports, and digital media, including Shaquille O’Neal, UFC President Dana White, YouTube sensation MrBeast, and Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan.

In a keynote address, Alalshikh announced billions in new entertainment investments, including plans for WrestleMania 2027, the first time the event will be held outside the United States.

Collaborations with Warner Music, Atlantic Records, and Shaquille O’Neal were also announced, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major force in the global entertainment industry.

However, the Forum’s bright spotlight dims under criticism of “sportswashing” and “entertainment-washing,” terms used to describe efforts to clean the kingdom’s global image despite ongoing human rights violations.

Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch have described the Forum as an attempt to “deflect attention from brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations.”

Turki Alalshikh’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Expansion

Turki Alalshikh, who oversees the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, has been a pivotal figure in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s consolidation of power. The New York Times dubbed him a “key on-the-ground operator” behind the Crown Prince’s rise.

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Ryan Seacrest (Credit: CNN)

His influence in expanding Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has been pronounced, with major international stars and companies increasingly participating in events and projects under his oversight.

Despite his success in reshaping Riyadh’s entertainment scene, Alalshikh’s partnerships have faced scrutiny for promoting a regime with a controversial record.

Online critics lump celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and Shaquille O’Neal into a broader pattern of complicit involvement, accusing them of endorsing a state accused of “state-sanctioned murder.”

Comedy Festival Controversy: Mixed Messages in Riyadh

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, further illustrated the tension between entertainment and political realities. Featuring big-name U.S. comedians like Bill Burr and Pete Davidson, the festival stunned audiences aware of Saudi Arabia’s reputation for censorship and repression.

Comedians who declined the festival mocked those who accepted, with TikTok comic Shaan Baig joking about the moral contradictions involved in performing for a regime with a documented history of imprisoning dissenters.

Marc Maron, who turned down the festival, joked on social media that the event could be marketed as “From the folks that brought you 9/11: two weeks of laughter in the desert,” highlighting the gulf between entertainment spectacle and geopolitical realities.

These mixed messages exemplify the broader ethical dilemmas entertainers face when engaging with nations criticized for human rights abuses.

The Debate: Ethics, Art, and the Price of Fame

Seacrest’s silence on the criticism has done little to quell the debate over celebrities’ roles in legitimizing controversial regimes.

Supporters argue that artistic and cultural exchanges can open doors and foster understanding, while detractors contend that participating in such events amounts to endorsement of oppressive practices.

In the digital age, where celebrity actions and affiliations are scrutinized globally, joining government-backed entertainment initiatives carries high risks of reputational damage. The Joy Forum’s success in attracting global stars underscores its cultural significance but also amplifies concerns about the moral cost of involvement.

What Lies Ahead for Saudi Entertainment and Hollywood

As Saudi Arabia continues investing heavily in entertainment, its efforts to reshape its global image face ongoing challenges. The Joy Forum signals the kingdom’s determination to become a hub for global culture, yet it must navigate the complex terrain of ethics, politics, and international criticism.

Hollywood’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and figures like Ryan Seacrest’s participation will remain focal points for discussions on the interplay between art, commerce, and human rights.

The balance between opportunity and responsibility for entertainers and producers grows ever more delicate as the spotlight on Riyadh intensifies.