Shia LaBeouf: what has the actor’s ex girlfriend FKA Twigs accused him of - and how has he responded?

UK singer FKA Twigs has accused ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf of physical and emotional abuse.

FKA Twigs, real name Tahliah Barnett, dated the actor for under a year in 2019.

The singer and dancer says she came forward to show domestic abuse victims that it can happen and to raise awareness of an alleged "cycle of abuse of women over the years”.

LaBeouf has addressed the accusations, stating: “I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations.”

What are FKA Twigs’ allegations?

FKA Twigs opened up about her relationship with LaBeouf during an interview with the New York Times. On the same day that the article was published FKA Twigs filed a civil lawsuit.

The lawsuit accuses LaBeouf of assault, battery, sexual battery, intentional affliction of emotional distress and gross negligence.

She claims that while LaBeouf initially showered her with attention and affection, the actor’s behaviour quickly turned possessive and cruel.

In one incident the singer alleges that LaBeouf drove recklessly and threatened to crash a car until she professed her love for him.

FKA Twigs statement in full

FKA Twigs also released a statement on social media detailing her reasons for coming forward. She wrote: “it may be surprising to you to learn that i was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. it was hard for me to process too, during and after i never thought something like this would happen to me.

"which is why i have decided it’s important for me to talk about it and try to help people understand that when you are under the coercive control of an abuser or in an intimate partner violent relationship leaving doesn’t feel like a safe or achievable option.

“i hope that by sharing my experience i can truly help others feel like they are not alone and shed some light on how those who are worried somebody they care about may be in an abusive relationship can help because i understand it can be confusing and hard to know what to do.

“the statistics on domestically abusive and intimate partner violence relationships are shocking and during covid i have been really anxious because i know many victims will have been literally trapped with their abusers with no relief or way to get out.

“my second worst nightmare is being forced to share with the world that i am a survivor of domestic violence

“my first worst nightmare is not telling anyone and knowing that i could have helped even just one person by sharing my story”.

How has Shia LaBeouf responded?

Shia Labeouf released a statement addressing the allegations.

He wrote: “I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.”

Responding directly to the New York Times, LaBeouf said “many of these allegations are not true.”

He added that he wanted his accuser “the opportunity to air their statements publicly and accept accountability.”

What did Sia say?

Shorly after FKA Twigs’ post, fellow performer Sia came forward also accusing LaBeouf of mistreatment.

The Australian singer accused LaBeouf of being “a pathological liar”.

She tweeted: “I too have been hurt emotionally by Shia, a pathological liar, who conned me into an adulterous relationship claiming to be single”.

Sia added: “I believe he's very sick and have compassion for him AND his victims. Just know, if you love yourself - stay safe, stay away”.