FKA Twigs accuses Shia LaBeouf of evading legal obligations ahead of sexual battery trial

FKA Twigs claims Shia LaBeouf is using evasive legal tactics, delaying the sexual battery case trial hearing.

FKA Twigs, born Tahliah Debrett Barnett, has accused actor Shia LaBeouf of employing evasive legal tactics as their high-profile sexual battery case approaches trial. In a statement filed on October 18, 2024, the musician’s legal team claimed that LaBeouf failed to comply with discovery obligations, citing missing documents and a last-minute refusal to be deposed.

“LaBeouf’s responses to written discovery in this case has been egregiously evasive and nonresponsive, which has ultimately resulted in a document production consisting of only nine pages,” the filing says. “It appears that LaBeouf has something to hide, as LaBeouf has suspiciously claimed he no longer has any other responsive documents in his possession or control, as he lost or misplaced his electronic devices, or destroyed relevant information prior to the initiation of this action.” By contrast, the singer-actress “has produced voluminous responsive documents and substantive written responses.”

The lawsuit, initially filed in December 2020, includes allegations of sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress. The singer alleges LaBeouf subjected her to physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, which began in 2018 after meeting on the set of Honey Boy.

In response, LaBeouf's legal team fired back, accusing FKA Twigs of being too busy to attend her own deposition, which has delayed the case for years. Both parties are expected to face a key hearing on Friday, where a trial date will be set.