Actor Kevin Costner has recently filed a lawsuit against the daytime talk show “The View” for what he claims was hate speech directed towards him during a recent episode. Costner, who is known for his roles in iconic films such as “Dances With Wolves” and “The Bodyguard,” is seeking damages for the emotional distress caused by the hosts’ remarks.
The incident in question occurred when the hosts of “The View” were discussing a recent controversy involving a potential new film project for Costner. During the segment, several of the hosts made disparaging comments about the actor’s abilities as a performer, as well as mocking his appearance and mannerisms.
Costner, who was watching the episode at home, was reportedly deeply upset by the comments and immediately contacted his legal team. In a statement to the press, his attorney stated that “Mr. Costner has been a respected member of the entertainment industry for decades, and he should not be subjected to this kind of baseless and hurtful criticism.”
The lawsuit, which has been filed in a Los Angeles court, seeks damages in excess of $10 million. Costner’s legal team argues that the comments made on “The View” constitute hate speech, which is not protected under the First Amendment.
The hosts of “The View” have yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit, but sources close to the show say that they are preparing a vigorous defense. The show’s producers argue that the hosts were simply engaging in a lighthearted discussion, and that their comments did not rise to the level of hate speech.
The case is sure to be closely watched by legal experts, as it raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the potential liability of media outlets for the speech of their hosts. For his part, Kevin Costner says that he hopes the lawsuit will send a message to others in the entertainment industry that hate speech will not be tolerated.
