FKA Twigs Sues Former Boyfriend Shia LaBeouf, Alleging Sexual Battery, Assault, and Emotional Distress
Singer FKA Twigs alleges a violent and abusive relationship with ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf in a heartbreaking new The New York Times story.
In a recent story with The New York Times, it was revealed that pop star FKA Twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Barnett, has sued her ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf for sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress as she revealed horrifying details about their allegedly abusive relationship. Over time, the relationship left her feeling helpless and defenseless as LaBeouf continued to strip away her power, the lawsuit addresses.
Barnett felt compelled to tell her story to help others struggling with abuse and showcase that domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their fame or wealth. “I’d like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency,” she said.
fka twigs is like the third girlfriend to accuse shia of abuse. idk what it’s gonna take for ppl to let him go. https://t.co/6Ie8qd7sGu
— #3 sisterwife but #1 in his heart (@prettycritical) December 11, 2020
The lawsuit recalls several violent behavior incidents, including alleged physical, emotional, sexual, and mental abuse. Barnett alleges being choked in her sleep by LaBeouf and being thrown against a car during an altercation at a gas station.
shia labeouf put his hands on fka twigs…… pic.twitter.com/YhlG7PZUG4
— chu (@chuuzus) December 11, 2020
In another incident, LaBeouf is even being accused of driving recklessly and unbuckling his seatbelt, then threatening to crash the car if Barnett didn’t declare her love for him. The relationship eventually began to impact her career, causing her to delay her latest album Magdalene several times. She also expressed her fear of not being believed if she spoke out, especially as a woman of color.
fka twigs is just another example of how no matter “whom” you are, as a black and femme identifying person we are always susceptible to domestic abuse and violence from our partners. i hope she bleeds shia dry. that’s what he deserves.
— 💮giorno giovanna stan account💮 (@mc_mxciv) December 11, 2020
The article included LaBeouf’s response to the lawsuit, acknowledging his violent behavior. “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,” he said.
These are the scariest people because they’ll apologize but do nothing to change their behavior. https://t.co/NRHdriqz87
— 🍁 (@geezlais) December 11, 2020
The actor has a history of alcoholism and aggressive behavior, including several arrests for assault and disorderly conduct. Multiple other women have alleged being abused by LaBeouf, one being his former girlfriend Karolyn Pho, who’s also included in the lawsuit. Pho alleges that while drunk, LaBeouf once head-butted her, causing her to bleed.
This is absolutely horrifying, and I’m so heartbroken for twigs. I’m glad she’s free of him.
— Natasha W.E.B. Lookin’ Bois Oladokun (@NatashaOladokun) December 11, 2020
https://t.co/Dfgo1hYYJ7
Despite his statement to The New York Times, LaBeouf says most of the lawsuit’s claims are false, and he is now on the road to recovering from his alcohol addiction. He does, however, believe that the women have a right to tell their stories publicly.
Honestly, I’m not shocked about the revelations about Shia LaBeouf. It’s been quite evident for some time that he was a violent nutcase. I feel so sorry for FKA Twigs and hope she can get through it. She has shown amazing bravery coming forward.
— Katie Babarczi (@kate_eve) December 12, 2020
Barnett says that she began seeing a therapist and tried escaping several times, but her plans were unsuccessful. She eventually was able to leave the relationship after multiple attempts and says that she plans to donate a large portion of any monetary damages to different domestic violence charities to help other women.
You’re very brave to share what you’re going through. I was sorry to hear of it. Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
— M (@EditsandSnark) December 12, 2020
Fans are applauding Barnett’s bravery, and they’re hoping that her courageous decision to speak out encourages other domestic violence victims to seek help. Be sure to head over to The New York Times site to read the powerful story.
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