FKA twigs, the British singer-songwriter, has initiated legal action against her former partner, Shia LaBeouf, alleging that he is attempting to enforce an invalid nondisclosure agreement (NDA) to silence her regarding past experiences of abuse. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks a judicial order preventing LaBeouf from upholding the NDA, which twigs asserts contravenes California law aimed at protecting survivors of sexual misconduct.
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The complaint, lodged on Wednesday, comes in the wake of twigs’ previous accusations against LaBeouf, which she made in 2020. In that case, she alleged she was a victim of sexual battery and emotional distress, claiming that LaBeouf had engaged in abusive behaviour during their relationship. The earlier lawsuit was settled in 2025, but the recent filing suggests that the issues surrounding the NDA remain unresolved.
Tahliah Barnett, known professionally as FKA twigs, expressed through her attorney, Mathew Rosengart, that the aim of the current lawsuit is not financial gain but rather a pursuit of justice. “This is a case about justice and law, not money,” he noted in the filing. He further emphasised that the singer seeks to champion other women who may lack the means to protest against similar predatory behaviour.
In the new complaint, twigs argues that LaBeouf’s NDA should be deemed unenforceable under California’s Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure Act (STAND Act). This legislation is designed to protect individuals from being silenced regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, allowing survivors to speak openly about their experiences without fear of legal repercussions.
Twigs’ legal team highlights LaBeouf’s contention that the protections granted by the STAND Act apply solely to cases of “sexual assault” and not to “sexual battery.” Barnett’s attorneys assert that this perspective is legally flawed, declaring, “in matters of both common sense and law, the STAND Act covers both.” The complaint underscores the importance of California law, which prohibits agreements that restrict survivors from disclosing factual information about their experiences.
The singer’s legal action is also motivated by a desire to ensure that survivors of sexual misconduct are no longer bullied or silenced, as she claims to have been. She aims to create a legal precedent that empowers others to speak out without fear of retribution or violation of NDA clauses that might otherwise stifle their voices.
LaBeouf’s position is met with severe criticism within the filing, which describes his argument as “preposterous” and “nonsensical.” The complaint points out that his claims should provoke outrage among Californians, as they contradict both public sentiment and established state laws meant to safeguard individuals from retaliation when reporting misconduct.
In addition to the current legal matters surrounding the NDA, LaBeouf faces other unresolved issues, having been arrested earlier this year on two counts of misdemeanor battery following an alleged confrontation during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A judge mandated him to enter substance abuse treatment, undergo drug testing, and post a $100,000 bond for his release.
FKA twigs is not pursuing monetary damages in this case but is focused instead on having the NDA provisions declared invalid and ensuring that LaBeouf is barred from enforcing them in the future. This reinforces her commitment to fostering an environment where victims can share their experiences freely, contributing to a broader dialogue about sexual misconduct and supporting others in similar situations.
As the case unfolds, the implications extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially influencing how NDA agreements are viewed in contexts related to sexual misconduct. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle many survivors face when trying to reclaim their narratives while grappling with legal constraints.
Both parties’ legal representatives have been approached for commentary on the lawsuit, but no statements have yet been forthcoming. As the legal battle continues, attention remains focused on how it might shape future discussions around sexual misconduct and the protections afforded to survivors under Californian law.