FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf have just agreed to delay their trial date until 2024, after the musician sued the actor for “relentless abuse” during their former relationship.
In 2020, FKA Twigs filed a lawsuit against LaBeouf, accusing him of sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. The trial was originally set for November but both parties have agreed to a continuance, pushing the trial date until October 14th, 2024.
The lawsuit alleges that LaBeouf was repeatedly abusive, citing an incident during a trip the pair took in 2019. According to The New York Times, the lawsuit alleges LaBeouf was driving recklessly with Twigs in the passenger seat, removed his seatbelt, and threatened to crash the car unless she professed her love for him. Twigs also claims he followed her and physically assaulted her at a gas station after she tried to leave.
Speaking to The New York Times, Twigs said the relationship lasted just over a year and LaBeouf abused her physically, emotionally and mentally a number of times. “I’d like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency,” Twigs said. “What I went through with Shia was the worst thing I’ve ever been through in the whole of my life. It can happen to anybody.”
In an email to the newspaper, LaBeouf responded to Twig’s claims and said, “I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalisations. 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.” He added that “many of these allegations are not true”, but said that he owed the women “the opportunity to air their statements publicly and accept accountability for those things I have done”.
The court date delay has been attributed to conflicts within FKA Twigs’ schedule and LeBeouf’s “entertainment projects” as well as one of Twigs’ lawyers being on maternity leave during the original trial date.
FKA Twigs’ lawsuit serves as an important reminder that abuse can happen to anyone and that it is not okay. For UK residents, Rape Crisis provides help, advice, and more information on sexual harassment, assault, and rape. In the US, RAINN is a great resource for victims of sexual violence.
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