FKA twigs has filed a new lawsuit against Shia LaBeouf, claiming the actor is attempting to prohibit her from publicly discussing the alleged sexual abuse she experienced during their relationship or any additional issues related to sexual violence.
In 2020, twigs (real name Tahliah Barnett) sued the actor, accusing him of months of “physical, sexual, and mental abuse.” After years of delays, the jury trial was set to start in September 2025 but the parties reached a settlement before it began. According to the new lawsuit, which was obtained by Pitchfork, this was done to allow “LaBeouf to avoid a public and embarrassing jury trial and potentially enormous damages for his conduct.”
Matthew Rosengart, a lawyer for the singer-songwriter, now claims within this settlement was an “unlawful NDA,” which was included to prevent “Ms. Barnett not just from disclosing information about her own survival of sexual assault and sexual abuse but...from discussing sexual assault and sexual abuse more generally and as an important topic of public concern.” Rosengart adds that the NDA is in violation of California’s STAND Act, which forbids agreements that are meant to silence sexual assault survivors from speaking out.
Pitchfork has reached out to LaBeouf’s representatives for comment.
Barnett’s current complaint stems from an arbitration demand she received from LaBeouf in December 2025, which claimed a breach of contract of their initial settlement after she mentioned in an interview with the The Hollywood Reporter that, following their relationship, she didn’t “feel safe.” Although the arbitration was ultimately dismissed, Barnett now seeks judicial remedy, acknowledging that the NDA’s provisions are part of LaBeouf’s “continuing efforts to silence” her “as a sexual abuse survivor.” She does not seek financial compensation.
“Ms. Barnett…has nothing to gain from this case either professionally or financially,” Rosengart adds in the complaint. “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.”
Facts Only
Parties: FKA twigs (Tahliah Barnett), Shia LaBeouf
Event 1: Lawsuit filed in 2020, alleging months of physical, sexual, and mental abuse by LaBeouf.
Event 2: Settlement reached before the scheduled jury trial in September 2025.
Event 3: New lawsuit filed in December 2025 claiming unlawful NDA as part of original settlement.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Timeline: 2020 - Present
Executive Summary
Full Take
In this narrative, FKA twigs is seeking to break an alleged unlawful Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that she claims was included in her settlement with Shia LaBeouf following accusations of sexual abuse. The NDA is said to have prevented Barnett from discussing her experiences of sexual assault and abuse, as well as speaking out on the topic more generally. This situation raises questions about power dynamics, consent, and the silencing of survivors.
Patterns detected: ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey, ARC-0024 Ambiguity
LaBeouf's representatives have yet to comment on the matter, leaving ambiguity around their stance. The motte-and-bailey pattern is evident in the settlement, which initially appeared to resolve the issue but now, according to Barnett, was used to suppress her voice.
Root Cause: This narrative reflects the broader cultural discourse surrounding sexual assault and abuse, with power dynamics playing a significant role. The assumption here is that survivors should have the right to speak out and be heard without fear of retribution or silencing.
Implications: If Barnett's claims are true, it highlights the need for greater transparency in settlement agreements and the importance of upholding the rights of sexual assault survivors. This case also raises questions about the motivations behind NDAs in high-profile cases involving allegations of abuse.
Bridge Questions: What factors led to the inclusion of an alleged unlawful NDA in the original settlement? How can we ensure that survivors have the freedom to speak out without fear of retribution or suppression? What changes are needed in the handling of sexual assault and abuse cases to better protect survivors' rights?
Sentinel — Human
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