FKA twigs Opens Up: Moving Forward After Settling Abuse Lawsuit with Shia LaBeouf, But Safety Still Eludes Her

FKA twigs, the acclaimed English singer-songwriter known for her ethereal voice and boundary-pushing artistry, is embarking on a new chapter in her life. After settling her highly publicized abuse lawsuit against actor Shia LaBeouf, she says she is “moving on”—but candidly admits that she still does not feel safe. Her journey, marked by pain, resilience, and a commitment to helping others, offers a powerful reflection on the realities of healing after trauma.

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A Difficult Chapter Comes to an End

In July, FKA twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett, filed a Request for Dismissal in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, bringing an official end to the legal battle she began in December 2020. The lawsuit, which accused LaBeouf of relentless sexual and physical assault, battery, and knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, drew widespread attention and sparked important conversations about abuse in high-profile relationships.

The trial, originally scheduled for September, was preempted by a settlement between the two parties. While the terms of the agreement remain confidential, both twigs and LaBeouf issued a joint statement: “Committed to forging a constructive path forward, we have agreed to settle our case out of court. While the details of the settlement will remain private, we wish each other personal happiness, professional success and peace in the future.”

“I Wouldn’t Say I Feel Safe”

In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, published on October 1, FKA twigs reflected on the emotional aftermath of settling the lawsuit. When asked if she felt a sense of safety moving forward, she replied, “No, I wouldn’t say I feel safe.” Her honesty underscores the lingering effects of trauma and the complexities of recovery, even after legal closure.

Twigs spoke passionately about her involvement with organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse, such as Sistah Space and No More. “I feel really passionate about being involved with organizations such as Sistah Space and No More, to help survivors in any way that I can. I think it’s less about me at this point and more about looking forward. Just, you know, moving on with my life,” she shared.

Her words resonate with countless survivors who understand that healing is not linear, and that safety is not always guaranteed by a legal resolution. For twigs, advocacy and community have become crucial sources of strength and purpose.

The Lawsuit: A Timeline of Events

FKA twigs and Shia LaBeouf first met in 2018 when she was cast in his semi-autobiographical film, “Honey Boy.” Their relationship, which ended in 2019, would later become the subject of scrutiny as twigs alleged that LaBeouf subjected her to a campaign of abuse during their time together.

According to court documents filed in December 2020, twigs accused LaBeouf of “relentlessly” sexually and physically assaulting and battering her, as well as knowingly giving her a sexually transmitted disease. The allegations were shocking, not only because of the details but because they involved two prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

LaBeouf denied “each and every” allegation, but the lawsuit catalyzed a broader conversation about domestic violence, consent, and accountability. Twigs’ decision to come forward was hailed as courageous by advocates and fans alike.

In an interview with The New York Times in December 2020, twigs explained her motivation for taking legal action: “What I went through with Shia was the worst thing I’ve ever been through in the whole of my life. I don’t think people would ever think that it would happen to me. But I think that’s the thing. It can happen to anybody.”

Advocacy and Moving Forward

Despite the pain and public scrutiny, FKA twigs has channeled her experience into advocacy. Her work with organizations like Sistah Space—a group supporting Black survivors of domestic abuse—and No More, a global campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault, reflects her commitment to raising awareness and helping others find resources and support.

“I feel really passionate about being involved with organizations such as Sistah Space and No More, to help survivors in any way that I can,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s less about me at this point and more about looking forward.”

Twigs’ advocacy is not just symbolic; it’s deeply personal. By sharing her story, she hopes to break the stigma surrounding abuse and encourage other survivors to seek help. Her openness about not feeling fully safe serves as a reminder that recovery is ongoing and that community support is essential.

Artistic Resurgence: The Release of Eusexua

Amidst the turmoil, FKA twigs has continued to create. In January, she released “Eusexua,” her first album in five years. The project has been hailed as a triumph, blending experimental sounds with raw emotion. Twigs describes it as a “pinnacle of human experience,” a testament to her resilience and artistry.

“A feeling of pure nothingness but of endless possibility, like losing yourself on the dance floor for eight hours,” she explained in her interview. “It’s the height of an orgasm, it’s losing yourself in a book. It’s being present whilst eating food, it’s even the hours that you lost as a child playing games. It’s a feeling of true presence in yourself—a constant state of everything and nothing all at once.”

For fans and critics alike, “Eusexua” represents both a personal and creative rebirth. The album’s themes of liberation, vulnerability, and transcendence mirror twigs’ own journey through pain and healing.

The Ongoing Challenge of Healing

While the lawsuit’s settlement marks the end of one chapter, FKA twigs’ story is far from over. Her admission that she does not feel fully safe speaks to the enduring impact of abuse and the challenges survivors face long after legal matters are resolved.

Twigs’ involvement with advocacy organizations and her continued artistic output are powerful examples of resilience. Yet, her experience also highlights the need for systemic change, greater awareness, and more robust support networks for survivors.

The public response to her story has been overwhelmingly supportive. Social media is flooded with messages of solidarity, and many have praised her for using her platform to shine a light on issues often kept in the shadows.

Looking Ahead

As FKA twigs moves forward, she remains committed to her art and her advocacy. The settlement with Shia LaBeouf may have closed a painful chapter, but her journey toward healing and empowerment continues. Through her music, her activism, and her honesty, twigs is helping to redefine what it means to survive and thrive after trauma.

Her message to other survivors is clear: you are not alone, and your voice matters. By speaking out, seeking help, and supporting one another, healing is possible—even if safety sometimes feels elusive.

As she looks ahead to new projects and new possibilities, FKA twigs stands as a beacon of strength, creativity, and hope. Her story is a reminder that even in the aftermath of pain, there is room for growth, connection, and transformation.