On Friday (December 11), reports surfaced that FKA Twigs (real name: Tahliah Debrett Barnett) filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf, accusing him of sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
FKA shared a snapshot of the article on her social media, writing, in part, “My second worst nightmare is being forced to share with the world that I am a survivor of domestic violence. My first worst nightmare is not telling anyone and knowing that I could have helped even just one person by sharing my story.”
FKA and Shia dated for about a year – after meeting on the set of his 2019 film, Honey Boy. However, she alleges that the course of their relationship had taken several frightening turns – including instances when he grabbed so hard her to the point of bruising, isolating her from her professional team, and also knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted disease.
She says it took several attempts, with the help of a therapist, for her to finally get out of the relationship. “He brought me so low, below myself, that the idea of leaving him and having to work myself back up just seemed impossible,” she tells the newspaper.
According to the report, another of Shia’s exes, stylist Karolyn Pho, also accuses him of abusive behavior in the lawsuit, which includes one instance when he drunkenly pinned her to a bed and head-butted her, enough that she bled.
As for why FKA decided to file a lawsuit, “I’d like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency,” she told The New York Times.
In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, FKA’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, said, “Shia LaBoeuf has abused Ms. Barnett, Ms.Pho and others. We tried to resolve this matter privately on the condition that Mr. LaBeouf agree to receive meaningful and consistent psychological treatment. 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.”
In emails to The New York times, Shia did not directly address to FKA and Karolyn’s claims. However, he did respond that “many of these allegations are not true.”
Per the outlet, he also wrote: “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.”
He also noted that he’s in therapy and a sober member of a 12-step program.
“I am not cured of my PTSD and alcoholism,” he continued, “But I am committed to doing what I need to do to recover, and I will forever be sorry to the people that I may have harmed along the way.”
On Saturday (December 12), Sia went on Twitter with her reaction to FKA’s lawsuit against Shia, writing, “I too have been hurt emotionally by Shia, a pathological liar, who conned me into an adulterous relationship claiming to be single. I believe he’s very sick and have compassion for him AND his victims. Just know, if you love yourself- stay safe, stay away.”
“I’m sorry @Sia this reinforces why i had to publicly share my experience. we need to support each other <3,” FKA responded to Sia’s post.
The two artists later went on Twitter to
“Also I love you @FKAtwigs. This is very courageous and I’m very proud of you,” Sia later added.
“Love you back @Sia you’re an inspiration and thank you everyone for your love and solidarity <3,” FKA replied.
Reps for Sia and Shia are yet to respond to requests for comments.
