Opening Scene: Scotland’s Most Famous Fairway
In 2006, Kevin Costner wasn’t making headlines for a blockbuster. Instead, the whispers came from the lush, windswept greens of St Andrews, Scotland—the spiritual home of golf.
The star of Field of Dreams was there for rest and recreation, but the trip ended with allegations that threatened to stain his gentlemanly Hollywood image.
The incident would be remembered not for the sport he loves, but for what allegedly happened inside the luxurious Old Course Hotel spa.
The Allegations
A female massage therapist accused Costner of engaging in inappropriate behavior during a private session.
Her claim: that Costner exposed himself and acted in a sexually suggestive manner, leaving her “shaken and humiliated.”
At the time, the therapist told reporters:
“I was stunned. I expected professionalism from a man of his stature. Instead, I felt trapped in that room.”
The resort, however, did not immediately validate her version of events.
The Resort’s Response
The Old Course Hotel denied wrongdoing on its part but admitted that the complaint had been lodged. Management allegedly handled it “internally,” without police involvement.
This lack of a formal criminal report sparked debate: Was it a sign of insufficient action, or was the incident overblown?
Costner’s Side
Through his lawyer, Costner categorically denied the allegations, calling them “utterly false and defamatory.”
In a brief public comment, he said:
“I respect women and have always conducted myself with dignity. This account is not what happened.”
He also emphasized that no charges were ever filed and that he continued to visit the UK for film work without incident.
Media Reaction
The British tabloids ran with the story, painting it as “Hollywood sleaze” invading the serene golfing haven.
For a few weeks, the headlines seemed endless:
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“Dances With Wolves Star in Spa Shock” – Daily Mail
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“Costner’s Dark Day at St Andrews” – The Sun
But in the U.S., the story barely made a ripple—perhaps due to lack of legal follow-up.
The Fallout
While the scandal did not derail his career, it left a lingering shadow over Costner’s “clean-cut” image. Some fans brushed it off as tabloid exaggeration; others found it hard to reconcile with the man they saw in roles like noble Lt. Dunbar or fatherly Jonathan Kent.
Film historian Martin Kearns remarked:
“Costner’s appeal has always been his all-American integrity. Allegations like this don’t have to be proven to chip away at that.”
Why It Matters in Retrospect
In today’s post-#MeToo era, such an allegation would likely receive far more intense scrutiny, and perhaps lead to official investigations.
The 2006 incident now serves as an early reminder that celebrity status does not insulate anyone from public judgment—even without a courtroom verdict.
Looking Back
Nearly two decades later, neither party has revisited the matter publicly. It remains an unresolved footnote in Costner’s long career—a story that some believe, others dismiss, but few have completely forgotten.
