FKA twigs and actor Shia LaBeouf have reached a settlement of a significant lawsuit that brought national focus to emotional abuse and physical abuse in relationships. The British singer and performance artist- real name, Tahliah Barnett- filed a lawsuit against LaBeouf in December 2020, accusing him of sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. According to twigs the relationship- which began in 2018 and ended in 2019- was very abusive and traumatizing.
Court documents indicate that twigs asked for the lawsuit dismissal "with prejudice" on July 18th meaning that the lawsuit would be permanently closed and could not be reopened. The settlement agreement was reached just weeks shy of a trial set to begin September 2025. The terms of the agreement are confidential.
In a joint statement released, both parties indicated they reached a mutual resolution and expressed their support for one another's personal healing and continued future successes. While the legal chapter is now closed, the case itself has left an indelible mark - for the entertainment industry and in public dialogues regarding abuse.
What Lawsuit Uncovered in Terms of Hidden Forms of Abuse
The lawsuit wasn’t just making accusations of physical violence. Rather, it provided a glimpse behind the scenes of psychological and emotional controlling and abuse that is usually hidden behind closed doors- even for well-known individuals. FKA twigs accused LaBeouf of using gaslighting, isolating and coercive strategies that ultimately attempted to control her throughout their relationship.
Some of the most disturbing allegations included:
- Emotional manipulation: Twigs said that LaBeouf would manipulate her into believing that she would either leave him or that there would be consequences if she left the relationship.
- Physical harm: Twigs claimed that there were incidents of being possibly strangled, shoved, or threatened.
- Knowingly transmitting an STD: One of the claims that struck many of her supporters as most alarming, was the idea that LaBeouf had given Twigs a sexually-transmitted disease which he hid from her.
- Long-term trauma: Twigs was open about her long-lasting psychological damage and post-traumatic stress disorder reaction
In interviews tiger talks about the nights she would wake up thinking someone was in her room, feeling like a shell of a person, and needing therapy to move through it. She said she came forward, not just for her own healing, but to help others get diagnosed in understanding signs of toxic and abusive behavior.
FKA twigs has withdrawn her lawsuit accusing Shia LaBeouf of sexual and physical abuse after a confidential out‑of‑court settlement. https://t.co/13OSsyxSVy
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) July 23, 2025
Why this Story was Important Beyond the Celebrity Gossip
This wasn't simply a celebrity scandal-- it became a wake-up call to many. The lawsuit led to a larger conversation about what abuse can look like when it isn't just physical. In fact, twigs has mentioned that the emotional abuse was the most damaging aspect of the relationship.
- Raising awareness - Twigs said she wanted to bring to light patterns of abuse that are often invisible, especially when the perpetrator is charming or famous.
- Changing public perception - The case changed the way in which people view domestic abuse. It's not all physical and visible bruises, it can also be control, fear and loss of self.
- Courage to speak out - Many fans and advocates commended her bravery, recognizing how hard it is to publicy share your personal trauma.
In response to the lawsuit, Shia LaBeouf admitted in 2021 that he had caused pain to people, that he was getting treatment for substance abuse and trauma, but denied a lot of the specific allegations made by twigs.
A Soft Resolution to a Loud Conversation
The decision to settle out of court probably spared both the litigants a long, stressful and emotional public trial. However, it does not diminish the power of what has been said, because FKA twigs had made her story public, and when she voiced her struggles, she spoke for her own experience as well as all the survivors of abuse.
This case—like many that are related to celebrities—might have followed for the headlines, but the emotive truth resonated with people, as it reminded them that abuse does not always leave physical signs, and healing can occur far from the public eye.
Neither twigs nor LaBeouf have spoken subsequently since the dismissal was filed, but the conclusion of the case finishes a painful chapter. For twigs, who is still making music as well as speaking about social issues, the settlement may be closure; however, also the continuation of her advocate role for others that have endured the same experiences.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): people.com