Judge Denies Anti‑SLAPP; Most Costner Claims Proceed

Stunt performer Devyn LaBella sued Kevin Costner in May, alleging she was forced to perform an unscripted, violent rape scene on the set of Horizon: Chapter 2 and bringing a 10‑count complaint alleging sexual harassment, sex discrimination, retaliation, hostile‑work‑environment and violations of SAG‑AFTRA safety protocols, including that she received no advance notice and no intimacy coordinator. Costner moved to dismiss the suit under California’s anti‑SLAPP law, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jon R. Takasugi denied most of that motion while striking two causes of action — including one sexual‑harassment claim and an alleged Bane Act violation — allowing the bulk of the case to proceed (reports vary on whether eight or nine counts remain). The judge said LaBella should be permitted discovery and set a further hearing for December. Costner has denied the allegations as "absolutely false" and said he will appeal, while LaBella’s attorneys say the ruling shows creative prerogative does not give men in power impunity to abuse crew members.