FKA Twigs wins legal battle to void her NDA with Shia LaBeouf. Now she finally has the green light to speak about her abuse: ‘This victory frees her’
Power of persistence.
FKA Twigs has officially won her legal fight to terminate a restrictive NDA with her ex-boyfriend, Shia LaBeouf. This major development comes after a long, difficult struggle to regain her voice. The singer can now speak openly about her experiences without fear of legal retaliation. This victory marks a significant turning point for her personal freedom. It also serves as a major win for advocates of sexual assault survivors everywhere.
The news broke on October 6, 2026. Court papers filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles confirm the resolution. According to Rolling Stone, Tahliah Barnett, known professionally as FKA Twigs, chose to withdraw her March complaint. This move followed an agreement from LaBeouf to void the controversial NDA. The agreement effectively ends a dispute that has lingered for months. Her attorney, Mathew Rosengart, provided a statement on the outcome.
“Twigs stood up for something larger than herself – all female survivors of sexual abuse,” Rosengart said. He highlighted the importance of the legal win. “After Mr. LaBeouf’s now-dismissed, failed December 2025 arbitration against Twigs, this important victory completely frees her to discuss her experience, advocate for other women who might be less privileged, and support the charitable causes of her choice.”
The conflict began long before this recent court filing
Barnett first sued LaBeouf in 2020. She accused him of sexual battery, assault, and mental abuse. These incidents allegedly occurred during their one-year relationship from 2018 to 2019. The two parties eventually reached a settlement in July 2025. They initially shared a message wishing each other personal happiness and peace. However, tensions flared when LaBeouf challenged comments Barnett made in an interview.
During that conversation, she was asked if she felt a sense of safety. Her response was direct and honest. “No, I wouldn’t say I feel safe,” she said. She expressed her commitment to supporting advocacy groups. “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.”
LaBeouf viewed these comments as a violation of their settlement agreement. He subsequently filed a secret arbitration complaint against her. He sought an exorbitant sum of money as a penalty. The actor claimed her words breached the confidentiality provisions of their deal. Barnett’s legal team pushed back hard against this claim. They argued that his actions were an attempt to silence a survivor.
The legal strategy relied on the California STAND Act
The California STAND (Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure) Act prevents NDAs from chilling survivors of sexual abuse. It stops perpetrators from using legal threats to hide their behavior. The statute ensures that survivors retain their right to speak about their suffering. Barnett even submitted a declaration from former California state Senator Connie M. Leyva. Leyva authored the legislation and confirmed its intended purpose. She argued that the law must protect survivors from these types of agreements.
The court filing confirms that the disputed provisions are now terminated and void. This means Barnett is free to speak about her journey. She can continue her work with charitable organizations without the threat of reprisal. This is a massive relief for anyone who values transparency in these types of cases. It is a powerful reminder that silencing victims is not an acceptable practice.
PEOPLE reports LaBeouf’s legal representative, Shawn Holley, also issued a statement. “Shia wishes Twigs nothing but the best in her life and career and, to that end, has agreed to end their long-standing dispute,” Holley said. The statement noted that the actor wants to move past the conflict. “Twigs has spoken about this matter for years and there is now nothing to prevent her from continuing to do so.”
Barnett stood her ground throughout the process
The singer fought against a system that tried to keep her quiet. She refused to let a settlement agreement dictate her future. By winning this battle, she has secured a path forward for herself. She has also set an important precedent for other women. Her courage in this matter is remarkable and she’s channeling that into helping others now.
The legal battle highlights the complexity of private settlements. These agreements often contain clauses that can be used to intimidate survivors. When those clauses are challenged, it forces a conversation about accountability. Barnett’s victory proves that these agreements are not always bulletproof. It is a win for the integrity of the legal system.
Moving forward, Barnett can focus on her advocacy work. She has consistently shown a desire to support survivors of abuse. She now has the legal backing to pursue this work openly. This is a top-tier outcome for her and for the communities she supports.
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