FKA twigs, the English musician known as Tahliah Barnett, has reached a settlement with Shia LaBeouf concerning her sexual battery lawsuit against him. Legal documents indicate that Barnett has filed to dismiss her suit with prejudice, which prevents her from refiling similar claims in the future.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, accused LaBeouf of multiple forms of abuse, including sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, with Barnett alleging a prolonged pattern of abusive behavior during their relationship from 2018 to 2019. She described incidents in which LaBeouf allegedly attempted to strangle her and physically assaulted her, and claimed he knowingly exposed her to an STI. LaBeouf, who has denied the allegations, stated that he takes responsibility for his past behavior without providing further details regarding the case.
Both Barnett’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, and LaBeouf’s attorney, Shawn Holley, released a statement expressing their commitment to finding a constructive way to move forward after settling the case outside of court. While the specifics of the settlement remain private, both parties have extended well wishes to one another for their future personal and professional lives.
The legal battle had persisted for years with numerous delays and disputes over evidence. LaBeouf’s team previously described the $10 million that Barnett was seeking as excessive, pointing to her ongoing career in music and recent modeling work. Nevertheless, Barnett’s lawyer defended her claims of emotional distress, stating that her success does not negate her experiences. He emphasized that emotional pain can exist alongside professional achievements, defending her right to seek damages.
Barnett, in her earlier interviews, shared that her decision to come forward stemmed from a desire to raise awareness about domestic abuse, asserting that it can affect anyone, regardless of their success or financial stability. Her experiences resonate with many, showcasing the complexities of victimization in abusive situations.
In addition to her legal challenges, LaBeouf has continued to work in film, recently staring in various projects, including Abel Ferrara’s “Padre Pio” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis.” Meanwhile, Barnett released her latest album, “Eusexua,” earlier this year, which has been described as celebrating the healing power of dance and movement.
This development marks a significant moment in Barnett’s journey and underscores the importance of addressing issues of abuse and emotional trauma, encouraging dialogue and awareness in pursuit of healing and recovery.