In the world of filmmaking, safety should always come first. Yet, sometimes, things go wrong. Devyn LaBella, a stunt performer, found this out the hard way while working on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. She was hired to double for one of the film’s stars. She expected a routine day of work. Instead, she was thrust into a harrowing situation. On May 2, 2023, she was asked to perform in an unscripted rape scene without any warning or preparation. This incident has led to a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the film’s production companies. LaBella is accusing them of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creating a hostile work environment.

LaBella's experience highlights a significant issue in the film industry. Intimacy coordinators are supposed to ensure the safety and comfort of performers during intimate or violent scenes. However, in this case, it seems that these protocols were not followed. The lawsuit claims that LaBella was not given prior notice, consent, or a closed set. This is a clear violation of the guidelines set by the performers union SAG-AFTRA. The union's regulations require these precautions to protect performers from harm.

The incident has had a profound impact on LaBella. She has spoken about feeling betrayed and shaken by the experience. She has also alleged that she faced retaliation after reporting the incident. She was not called back for subsequent work on the Horizon series and has not been hired again by the film’s stunt coordinator. This has left her feeling disposable and worthless, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit is not just about seeking compensation. It is also about raising awareness about the importance of intimacy coordinators. The use of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood has increased since the #MeToo movement. They are intended to be watchdogs for performer safety and comfort. However, some performers have waved them off, saying they don’t feel they need them. This incident shows why intimacy coordinators are crucial.

The film industry has a responsibility to protect its workers. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that can occur on movie sets. It is a call to action for the industry to do better. Performers should feel safe and protected while doing their jobs. The lawsuit serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize performer safety and well-being. It is high time for the industry to take a stand against such incidents and ensure that performers are not subjected to such harrowing experiences.

UNSCRIPTED RAPE SCENE

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