FKA twigs is suing her ex-partner Shia LaBeouf, alleging he tried to use an “unlawful” nondisclosure agreement (NDA) to silence her.
Shia LaBeouf arrested in New Orleans for alleged altercation
Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans following an alleged altercation during Mardi Gras celebrations. The actor has been charged with two counts of simple battery.
FKA twigs is suing her ex-partner Shia LaBeouf, alleging he tried to use an “unlawful” nondisclosure agreement to silence her, years after she accused him of sexual battery and assault.
In a legal complaint filed Wednesday, March 25, the British electronic pop artist aims to block LaBeouf, 39, from enforcing parts of the NDA that she claims violate California law and public policy.
The 38-year-old singer, whose real name is Tahliah Barnett, previously accused the “Even Stevens” alum of sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress in a 2020 lawsuit that was settled in July 2025. LaBeouf has claimed that Barnett violated an NDA agreement in an October interview with The Hollywood Reporter, according to the filing obtained by USA TODAY.
Her attorney, Matthew Rosengart, explained that there is no financial or professional gain for Barnett in deciding to return to litigation with LaBeouf in Los Angeles Superior Court.
“She files this action to right a wrong, and also on behalf of other women who are the victims of sexual and domestic violence who do not have the resources to speak out and defend themselves from predators. In so doing, she seeks to ensure that survivors of sexual misconduct are not bullied or silenced like she was,” Rosengart wrote in the filing.
USA TODAY has reached out to LaBeouf’s representative for comment.
What did FKA twigs say about Shia LaBeouf?
In The Hollywood Reporter interview published Oct. 1, FKA twigs was asked whether she felt a “sense of safety” following her relationship with LaBeouf and the legal battle that ensued.
“No, I wouldn’t say I feel safe,” she told the outlet. “I feel really passionate about being involved with organizations such as Sistah Space and No More, to help survivors in any way that I can. I think it’s less about me at this point and more about looking forward. Just, you know, moving on with my life.”
Barnett publicly revealed in December 2020 that her year-long relationship with the “Transformers” actor had become abusive. She soon sued him for repeated assaults and abuse – physical, emotional and mental – alleging “Shia LaBeouf hurts women” and that “he uses them. He abuses them, both physically and mentally. He is dangerous.”
She also alleged that LaBeouf engaged in a pattern of psychological manipulation to exert control over her daily life while keeping her isolated from friends.
At the time, LaBeouf addressed the allegations in an email to the New York Times, saying he has a “history of hurting the people closest to me” and that he was “sorry to those I hurt.”
What does the new lawsuit argue?
The new complaint states that LaBeouf argued that Barnett violated their NDA agreement by telling The Hollywood Reporter she did not feel “safe” and that she wanted to support other survivors.
According to the complaint, LaBeouf argued that the remarks do not fall under the protection of California’s Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure Act, arguing the protection doesn’t apply to claims of “sexual battery” but rather “sexual assault.” However, Rosengart clarified that “in matters of both common sense and law, the STAND Act covers both.”
According to the complaint, LaBeouf argued that the protections of the California law apply only to claims of “sexual assault” — and not “sexual battery,” a distinction Barnett’s attorneys say is legally incorrect. The complaint says, “in matters of both common sense and law, the STAND Act covers both.”
Rosengart argued that the law protects survivors’ right to speak on claims related to sexual misconduct and it is illegal for a provision within a settlement agreement to prevent or restrict the disclosure of factual information.
Lawsuit comes after Shia LaBeouf’s arrest in New Orleans
Barnnett’s complaint joins a list of ongoing legal battles involving LaBeouf.
On Feb. 17, authorities with the New Orleans Police Department arrested the former child star for multiple alleged assaults. Investigators said LaBeouf was “causing a disturbance and becoming increasing[ly] aggressive” at a nearby business at around 12:45 a.m. that Tuesday, and he was later taken to a hospital for “treatment of unknown injuries.”
LaBeouf was accused of disorderly conduct at the business, prompting a staff member to oust him, police said. He reportedly used his closed fists to strike a man in the vicinity several times.
He later appeared in court on Feb. 27, where Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine scolded the actor for apparently yelling homophobic slurs during the brawl, according to the Associated Press. The outlet reported that the judge expressed concern for the LGBTQ+ community and “the safety of this larger community, especially relative to a marginalized community that has gone through so much terror.”
Contributing: Edward Segarra, Anna Kaufman and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY