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Judge Lets Most of Stuntwoman’s Suit Against Kevin Costner Proceed, Strikes Two Claims

The judge said evidence of an unplanned simulated rape rehearsal without required safeguards cleared the minimal-merit bar.

Overview

  • Los Angeles County Judge Jon R. Takasugi granted Costner’s anti-SLAPP motion in part, dismissing a Bane Act claim and one sexual-harassment cause while allowing the rest to proceed.
  • The court found the remaining claims — including harassment, discrimination, retaliation and breach of the SAG-AFTRA agreement — have sufficient support to move into discovery.
  • The ruling noted the film is expressive work but said the defense failed the anti-SLAPP test’s second prong because the plaintiff’s claims showed minimal merit.
  • Plaintiff Devyn LaBella submitted call sheets and an intimacy coordinator’s report to support allegations that an unplanned simulated rape rehearsal occurred without required protocols.
  • Costner denies the allegations as “absolutely false,” his lawyer says they will appeal, and a separate demurrer challenge is scheduled for December.