FKA Twigs Sues Shia LaBeouf Over 'Illegal' NDA, Alleges Attempt to Silence Abuse Claims

FKA Twigs has launched a new legal offensive against Shia LaBeouf, alleging the actor is wielding a non-disclosure agreement to illegally silence her from speaking about the sexual abuse she endured during their relationship. This lawsuit, filed in California, directly challenges the enforceability of the NDA under post-#MeToo state laws designed to protect survivors. It marks a sharp escalation in their long-running legal battle, transforming a settled abuse case into a high-stakes fight over free speech and coercive legal tactics.

The singer-songwriter, whose legal name is Tahliah Barnett, had previously settled her initial lawsuit accusing LaBeouf of abuse in December. Following that settlement, LaBeouf's legal team initiated arbitration against her, claiming she violated the NDA merely by stating she 'didn’t feel safe' discussing that period of her life. That arbitration attempt was dismissed, paving the way for Twigs's current counter-suit. Her legal argument centers on the claim that the agreement violates California law, which now restricts the use of NDAs to prevent survivors from disclosing facts related to sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.

This case places intense scrutiny on the weaponization of confidentiality agreements in the aftermath of abuse allegations. By arguing the NDA prevents her not only from discussing her own alleged abuse but also from speaking about sexual violence broadly, Twigs is testing the strength of California's legislative safeguards. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how NDAs are used—and challenged—in similar high-profile personal and professional disputes, increasing legal risk for those who rely on such agreements to manage reputational fallout.