Full Breakdown
FKA Twigs Challenges NDA with Shia LaBeouf Under California's STAND Act
3/28/2026, 1:41:38 PM
Legal Action Against Shia LaBeouf
On March 25, 2026, singer and actress FKA Twigs, legally known as Tahliah Barnett, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against actor Shia LaBeouf, challenging the legality of a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) included in their prior sexual battery settlement. This lawsuit arises from a 2020 case in which Twigs accused LaBeouf of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship from 2018 to 2019. The original lawsuit, which included allegations of choking and transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, was settled in 2025 with an NDA that Twigs' attorney, Mathew Rosengart, now claims violates California's Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure (STAND) Act. This law prohibits NDAs that silence survivors of sexual abuse.
Context of the Lawsuit
The STAND Act is designed to empower survivors by allowing them to speak about their experiences without fear of legal repercussions. Twigs' recent lawsuit argues that the NDA unlawfully restricts her from discussing her experiences of abuse. LaBeouf's legal team previously claimed that Twigs breached the NDA by stating in an interview that she did not feel safe after the settlement. This arbitration demand was later dismissed. Rosengart emphasized that Twigs seeks justice rather than monetary damages, aiming to ensure that survivors are not silenced by similar agreements.
Criticism of LaBeouf's Legal Position
LaBeouf's representatives have contended that the NDA is lawful, arguing that the STAND Act's protections apply only to "sexual assault," not "sexual battery." This distinction has been described by Twigs' legal team as "preposterous," asserting that the law should cover both terms. The lawsuit also highlights that LaBeouf has publicly discussed Twigs' trauma while attempting to restrict her from doing the same, raising questions about the fairness of his legal tactics.
Broader Implications for Survivors
This case not only revives Twigs' allegations of a "living nightmare" marked by abuse but also underscores the broader implications for survivors in the entertainment industry, where NDAs have historically been used to silence victims. Advocacy groups, such as RAINN, emphasize the importance of resources for survivors, particularly in light of the challenges faced by those in marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Official Statements & Responses
LaBeouf's attorneys expressed surprise at the new lawsuit, asserting that the NDA was established after extensive mediation and that both parties agreed to settle rather than proceed to trial. They also reiterated that Twigs' original lawsuit did not allege sexual assault but rather sexual battery, a claim they dispute.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This action was taken in response to Mr. LaBeouf’s attempt to bully and intimidate Twigs through a frivolous and unlawful secret arbitration he filed against her in December in which he sought to extract money from her,” — Mathew Rosengart, Attorney for FKA Twigs
- “In so doing, she seeks to ensure that survivors of sexual misconduct are not bullied or silenced like she was.” — Mathew Rosengart
- “LaBeouf’s campaign of intimidation and abuse of the legal system denigrates not just Mr. Barnett but every survivor of sexual abuse in this State,” — FKA Twigs' lawsuit
- “I hurt that woman, and in the process of doing that, I hurt many other people, and many other people before that woman.” — Shia LaBeouf
What's Next
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent regarding the enforceability of NDAs in sexual abuse settlements in California, potentially impacting future cases involving high-profile survivors. Neither party has made further public comments since the filing.
