In July 2025, British singer-songwriter FKA twigs (Tahliah Debrett Barnett) and American actor Shia LaBeouf reached an out-of-court settlement, concluding a lawsuit filed by Barnett in December 2020. The lawsuit accused LaBeouf of sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress during their relationship from mid-2018 to mid-2019. (pitchfork.com)
The legal proceedings, which spanned nearly five years, were marked by multiple trial delays. On July 18, 2025, Barnett's attorney filed a request in Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss the case with prejudice, preventing future refiling. (nbcchicago.com)
In a joint statement, attorneys Bryan Freedman and Shawn Holley, representing Barnett and LaBeouf respectively, announced:
"Committed to forging a constructive path forward, we have agreed to settle our case out of court. While the details of the settlement will remain private, we wish each other personal happiness, professional success, and peace in the future." (pitchfork.com)
The lawsuit detailed allegations of physical, emotional, and mental abuse, including claims that LaBeouf knowingly transmitted a sexually transmitted infection to Barnett. LaBeouf has denied many of these allegations but acknowledged past abusive behavior, stating, "I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years." (eonline.com)
This settlement brings closure to a high-profile case that has been closely followed since its inception, highlighting issues of abuse and accountability within personal relationships.