theguardian.com
Costner Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Unscripted Rape Scene on Film Set
Stunt performer Devyn LaBella sued Kevin Costner, alleging an unscripted, violent rape scene during filming of "Horizon: An American Saga" on May 2, 2023, violating SAG-Aftra protocols and lacking an intimacy coordinator; Costner denies the allegations and seeks dismissal.
- What specific actions on set led to the lawsuit against Kevin Costner, and what immediate impacts are evident?
- A stunt performer, Devyn LaBella, sued Kevin Costner, alleging an unscripted, violent rape scene on the set of "Horizon: An American Saga." Costner denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit a "bold-faced lie" and seeking its dismissal. LaBella claims she was not given proper notice, consent, or an intimacy coordinator, violating SAG-Aftra protocols.
- How do the conflicting accounts of the incident illustrate broader issues within the film industry concerning on-set safety and the treatment of performers?
- LaBella's suit highlights concerns about on-set safety and the treatment of stunt performers in the film industry. Costner's counter-argument relies on a post-incident text from LaBella expressing gratitude and the testimony of crew members. The differing accounts create a stark contrast, raising questions about the accuracy of each side's claims.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this case for the film industry's standards regarding intimacy scenes, consent, and legal protections for performers?
- This case could set a significant precedent for on-set safety protocols and the legal recourse available to performers who experience unwanted sexual contact. The outcome will likely influence future industry practices regarding intimacy coordination and consent in film production. The conflicting evidence necessitates a thorough investigation to determine the truth.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is significantly biased toward Costner's perspective. The headline emphasizes Costner's denial, and much of the article's content focuses on his legal response and his characterization of LaBella's claims as a "bold-faced lie." This prominent placement and emphasis of Costner's perspective frames LaBella's accusations as potentially less credible before presenting her side of the story.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language, such as "bold-faced lie," "opportunistic and salacious lawsuit," and "sensationalistic language," to describe LaBella's claims. These terms carry negative connotations and prejudge the credibility of her account. More neutral language would improve objectivity; for example, instead of "bold-faced lie," the article could use "contradictory statements." Replacing "opportunistic and salacious lawsuit" with "lawsuit alleging misconduct" would maintain accuracy while lessening the negative tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Costner's denial and the evidence presented by his legal team, potentially omitting perspectives from other crew members or additional details about the incident's context. The lack of detailed information about LaBella's emotional state immediately following the incident, beyond the text message cited, might also be considered an omission. The article also doesn't delve into the specifics of LaBella's career disruption or the extent of her alleged trauma.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as either Costner's version (a consensual scene with no violation) or LaBella's version (a violent, non-consensual rape). It largely omits the possibility of any middle ground or alternative interpretations of events. The article focuses on presenting the two opposing views as mutually exclusive.
Gender Bias
While both parties are mentioned, the article's focus on the legal battle and Costner's rebuttal may inadvertently overshadow the severity of LaBella's claims of sexual assault. The description of the incident centers on legal arguments and counter-arguments, rather than exploring the potential impact of the incident on LaBella's emotional well-being as a woman in the film industry. Further exploration of support systems and resources available to victims in the industry may provide better context and balance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The incident described in the article involves allegations of a non-consensual and violent sexual act on set, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety and respect for women in the film industry. The lack of proper protocol, including the absence of an intimacy coordinator, directly contradicts efforts to protect performers from exploitation and harassment. The lawsuit seeks to address these failures and prevent similar incidents in the future. The negative impact on gender equality stems from the normalization of such behavior and the potential for perpetuating a harmful power dynamic on set.