FKA Twigs is back in court, and this time, she’s fighting over what she says is an attempt to silence her voice. The singer-songwriter has filed a new lawsuit against Shia LaBeouf, challenging parts of a nondisclosure agreement tied to their previously settled case. According to the filing, Twigs claims the agreement is being used to prevent her from speaking about issues related to sexual violence and her own experiences.
Dispute Between FKA Twigs And Shia LaBeouf Stems From Interview Comments
The legal battle reignited after LaBeouf’s team accused Twigs of violating their settlement agreement.
The issue reportedly stems from an interview in which she said, “I wouldn’t feel safe” when reflecting on her past relationship with the actor. LaBeouf’s legal team argued that the comment breached the nondisclosure agreement, prompting an arbitration demand seeking significant damages.
While that arbitration was later dismissed, the situation has now escalated into a new lawsuit.
Twigs Claims NDA Violates California Law
In her latest filing, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Barnett, is asking the court to block enforcement of certain NDA provisions. Her legal team argues the agreement goes too far, allegedly restricting her not only from discussing her own experiences but also from speaking about sexual violence more broadly.
According to the complaint, the case is about more than just her personal situation. Barnett “files this action to right a wrong, and also on behalf of other women who are the victims of sexual and domestic violence who do not have the resources to speak out and defend themselves from predators,” Mathew Rosengart, a lawyer for the singer-songwriter, wrote in the complaint.
He added that “In so doing, she seeks to ensure that survivors of sexual misconduct are not bullied or silenced like she was.”
Legal Battle Centers Around California’s STAND Act
At the heart of the dispute is California law, including the STAND Act, which limits the use of nondisclosure agreements in cases involving sexual misconduct. Twigs’ lawsuit argues that the terms of the agreement violate these protections, particularly because they allegedly restrict her ability to speak about her own experiences.
LaBeouf’s legal team has pushed back, arguing the law does not apply in this case because of how the original claims were categorized. “LaBeouf’s preposterous argument should offend every citizen of California,” the lawsuit read. “In addition to defying common sense, it is also legally-erroneous because assault is a precondition of battery.”
FKA Twigs Says Lawsuit Is ‘About Justice And Law, Not Money’
Despite the high-profile nature of the dispute, the lawsuit makes it clear that financial compensation is not the goal. Instead, Twigs is seeking a court order to block enforcement of the NDA provisions she believes are unlawful, emphasizing that the case is focused on accountability and broader implications for survivors.
The filing notes the case is “about justice and law, not money,” emphasizing her intent to challenge what she views as an attempt to silence victims.
Shia LaBeouf Says ‘I Have Been Abusive’ In Past Statement
Twigs and LaBeouf’s legal history dates back to a 2020 lawsuit in which she accused the actor of “relentless abuse.” According to court filings, the two met in 2018, and their relationship allegedly escalated from emotional abuse to physical violence. The lawsuit detailed multiple incidents, including claims that LaBeouf slammed her against a car and strangled her.
At the time, LaBeouf addressed the allegations publicly.
“I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt.”
The two later reached a settlement.
Shia LaBeouf Faces Battery Charges
The latest filing comes as Shia LaBeouf is also dealing with a separate legal issue.
The actor is currently facing battery charges in New Orleans following an alleged altercation at a bar, where he was reportedly removed after causing a disturbance and displaying aggressive behavior. The situation escalated into a physical confrontation involving two men.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support 24/7.