FKA twigs Sues Shia LaBeouf Over Claims of Sexual Battery, Abuse During Relationship

FKA twigs filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against her former boyfriend Shia LaBeouf on Friday for alleged “relentless abuse,” according to court documents.

Born Tahliah Barnett, the singer-songwriter claims that while involved with LaBeouf, she was the victim of sexual battery, assault and emotional distress. The suit also claims the actor knowingly gave Barnett an STD, along with a number of other disturbing and graphic allegations.

Bryan Freedman, the attorney for the 32-year-old Barnett, said the 34-year-old LaBeouf has a history of abuse with women.

“We tried to resolve this matter privately on the condition that Mr. LaBeouf agree to receive meaningful and consistent psychological treatment,” Freedman told The Hollywood Reporter. “Since he was unwilling to agree to get appropriate help, Ms. Barnett filed this suit to prevent others from unknowingly suffering similar abuse by him.”

Related Stories

Lifestyle

BTS Star Jung Kook Poses Shirtless in New Calvin Klein Campaign

Lifestyle

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Strips Down to Underwear, Shows Off Ripped Abs in Calvin Klein Campaign

Karolyn Pho, a stylist and another former girlfriend of LaBeouf’s, is also named in the lawsuit as having been allegedly abused by the actor.

LaBeouf could not be immediately reached for comment, but he told the New York Times on Thursday, “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. There is nothing else I can really say.”

Barnett is suing for unspecified damages.

Friday afternoon, the singer-songwriter took to Twitter to offer some context. “It may be surprising to you to learn that i was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. it was hard for me to process too, during and after i never thought something like this would happen to me,” she tweeted. “Which is why i have decided it’s important for me to talk about it and try to help people understand that when you are under the coercive control of an abuser or in an intimate partner violent relationship leaving doesn’t feel like a safe or achievable option.” See the full thread here.