What were the abuse allegations against Shia LaBeouf? FKA Twigs lawsuit ends in private settlement

British singer FKA Twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett, filed a lawsuit against actor Shia LaBeouf in December 2020. She accused him of abuse during their relationship, which lasted from 2018 to 2019. The lawsuit included claims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as knowingly giving her a sexually transmitted infection.

Shia LaBeouf is known for his work in movies like Transformers and Honey Boy. FKA Twigs said their relationship started out normal but soon became controlling and violent. She shared her story publicly to raise awareness and help others who might be in similar situations.

In July 2025, both parties reached a private out-of-court settlement. The lawsuit was officially dismissed with prejudice, which means it cannot be filed again. They also released a joint statement, wishing each other happiness and success.

What abuse did FKA Twigs say she experienced?

As per an updated report on NY Times published on December 22, 2021, FKA Twigs accused Shia LaBeouf of physically assaulting her several times. In one incident, she said he slammed her against a car and screamed at her at a gas station on Valentine’s Day in 2019. She also said he choked and tried to strangle her during their time together.

She also claimed that he sexually abused her. The lawsuit used the term “relentless” to describe the nature of the sexual battery. These were serious allegations that formed a major part of the lawsuit.

Another key claim was about emotional and mental abuse. Twigs said that LaBeouf isolated her from her family and friends. She also said he became jealous over simple things, like her being polite to other people. According to her, he demanded loyalty and controlled many parts of her life.

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How did Shia LaBeouf respond to the allegations?

Shia LaBeouf opposed numerous allegations in the law suit. He commented that everything that is said against him is not true. But then he also confessed to have been violent in his earlier relationships and that he hurt people close to him. He talked about his PTSD and drinking problems.

According to him, he was ashamed of his past and was in therapy. In a single press statement, he has at least partially admitted to some of the claims but has also noted that some of the allegations were lies or exaggerated.

LaBeouf never appeared on trial for the case. Rather, he and FKA Twigs settled privately. This concluded the court battle without jury ruling or social conviction of the claims.

When the lawsuit was filed, Shia LaBeouf denied all wrongdoing. He said that many of the claims made by FKA Twigs were “not true,” but admitted to past behavior issues.

In a statement to The New York Times, he said,

“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.”

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The law suit between FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf brought to light some heavy problems. Twigs provided information regarding her experience whereas LaBeouf was partially apologetic in regards to his prior delinquencies. Although the case never actually reached trial, it culminated into a settlement out of court. It is the official closure of the lawsuit but not the end of the discussion of the topic of abuse in the entertainment business.

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