CONTENT WARNING: This article contains mentions of sexual, emotional and physical abuse. 

In December last year, The New York Times published a lengthy and troubling article detailing a lawsuit that FKA Twigs was pursuing against her ex-boyfriend, Shia LaBeouf. The article discussed FKA Twigs' claims of the physical, sexual and emotional abuse she'd endured for just under a year while dating LeBeouf.

FKA Twigs (Tahliah Barnett)'s lawsuit against LaBeouf claimed she was subjected to "relentless abuse" including "sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress".

Once the story was published in the Times, FKA wrote a long and powerful post on Instagram, telling fans it might be "surprising" for them to learn she was in an "emotionally and physically abusive relationship".

"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," she wrote, adding she was sharing her story to hopefully "help others feel like they are not alone".

Shortly afterwards, it was revealed that LaBeouf was fired by Olivia Wilde from her upcoming film Don't Worry Darling. His talent agency CAA also parted ways with him in light of the allegations. CAA recently had to make a similar call regarding their representation of Marilyn Manson, who they quickly fired due to several disturbing abuse claims made against him.

The day after FKA Twigs' claims were made public, another of LaBeouf's ex-girlfriends, Sia, tweeted her support for Barnett, adding that LaBeouf is a "pathological liar". She said that she was "very proud" of Barnett, and that people should "stay safe, stay away" from LaBeouf.

LaBeouf initially apologised, and his legal team have now come forward to deny the allegations. His attorney stated in a court filing that the actor "denies generally and specifically each and every allegation" in Barnett's lawsuit.

Following the claims in December 2020, LaBeouf released a statement saying, "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."

The document states that FKA's allegation of sexual battery was invalid "because none of the acts alleged were based on sex."

In response to the court filing, Barnett's attorney Bryan Freedman questioned LaBeouf and his team's focus on "denials and gaslighting".

"Upon being confronted with Ms. Barnett's lawsuit, Mr. LaBeouf admitted his reprehensible conduct and then checked himself into some type of inpatient treatment," Freedman said.

"To the extent his 5 week treatment has been focused on denials and gaslighting, he may want to revisit the type of help he is receiving. Mr. LaBeouf's legal tact and recovery plan, while not surprising, are poorly misguided self help strategies."

Written by Dani Leever, a writer and homosexual pop culture enthusiast. Find their words at @danileever or catch their gay DJ drag adventures at @djgaydad.