FKA Twigs Files New Legal Action Against Shia LaBeouf Over Alleged Intimidation Tactics
British musician FKA Twigs has launched fresh legal proceedings against her former partner, actor Shia LaBeouf, accusing him of attempting to bully her into silence while simultaneously demanding substantial financial compensation. The new lawsuit was formally filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, marking the latest development in a protracted legal saga that has spanned several years.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The 38-year-old artist, whose legal name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett, had previously reached an official settlement with LaBeouf in July 2025 concerning a sexual battery lawsuit originally filed in 2020. That initial legal action sought damages of $10 million and included allegations of sexual battery, assault, and significant emotional distress occurring during their relationship between 2018 and early 2019. LaBeouf consistently denied these claims throughout the five-year court battle.
The couple first became involved after meeting on the set of LaBeouf's 2019 semi-autobiographical film Honey Boy, in which Twigs had been cast. According to legal documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Twigs' legal team now asserts that LaBeouf has adopted the same aggressive litigation approach that characterized their troubled personal relationship.
Allegations of Financial Pressure and Control
In the newly filed legal documents, Twigs' attorneys state that "Shia LaBeouf has tried to control Tahliah Barnett for the better part of a decade." The current lawsuit represents Twigs' response to what her legal team describes as a secret arbitration demand made by LaBeouf in December. According to the filing, LaBeouf sought what is characterized as an "exorbitant" sum of money as punishment for what he claimed was a breach of their previous settlement arrangement.
This alleged breach stemmed from an interview Twigs gave to The Hollywood Reporter last autumn, during which she was asked about her feelings of safety following past abuses. "I wouldn't say I feel safe," she responded, adding that she felt passionate about supporting organizations like Sistah Space and No More to assist survivors of abuse.
Legal Arguments and California Protections
Twigs' attorney, Mathew Rosengart, emphasized in a statement that this legal action was specifically initiated in response to "Mr. LaBeouf's attempt to bully and intimidate FKA Twigs through a frivolous and unlawful secret arbitration." Rosengart noted that they had successfully obtained dismissal of that arbitration case earlier this month and praised Twigs for refusing to be bullied any further.
The legal team argues that California's Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure Act provides protection for Twigs against such claims from the Transformers actor. They contend in court documents that LaBeouf's "campaign of intimidation and abuse of the legal system denigrates not just FKA Twigs, but every survivor of sexual abuse in California."
Twigs stated in legal filings that she is pursuing this lawsuit "to right a wrong, and also on behalf of other women who are victims of sexual and domestic violence who do not have the resources to speak out and defend themselves from predators." She further explained that she seeks to ensure survivors of sexual misconduct are not bullied or silenced by agreements that violate California law and public policy.
LaBeouf's Previous Admissions and Current Legal Troubles
Following Twigs' initial 2020 lawsuit, LaBeouf acknowledged to The New York Times that he had "a history of hurting the people closest to" him. He stated at the time, "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'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt."
Meanwhile, LaBeouf faces additional legal challenges unrelated to the Twigs case. He was arrested in New Orleans on February 17 on two counts of misdemeanor battery following an alleged bar altercation. Later in February, he faced another misdemeanor simple battery charge reportedly connected to the same incident. These arrests nearly disrupted his travel plans to Rome earlier this month, where his father was being baptized, though a judge ultimately granted him permission to travel to Italy.
The Daily Mail has reached out to attorneys representing both parties for additional commentary on this developing story but has not yet received responses.
