FKA Twigs condemns Shia LaBeouf for “evasive” legal tactics ahead of abuse trial
British singer FKA Twigs has condemned “evasive” legal tactics used by her former partner Shia LaBeouf ahead of an upcoming abuse trial.
It’s almost four years since Twigs, real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett, first came forward with claims of sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress against the Hollywood actor. However, the case is still yet to go to trail, and in new filings, Barnett has blamed the recent delay on LaBeouf’s legal team’s lack of cooperation.
The original trial was scheduled to begin last November, however, the case was then pushed back until April, 2024, due to Barnett’s key counsel taking maternity leave. Then, it was postponed once more due to scheduling conflicts, and was set to begin this month, but is still yet to commence.
Per Variety, in a new legal filing made on October 18th, Twigs criticised LaBeouf’s after stating that he was “suddenly unavailable” which led to him missing his scheduled court deposition on October 11th.
The new filing alleges: “LaBeouf’s responses to written discovery in this case has been egregiously evasive and nonresponsive, which has ultimately resulted in a document production consisting of only nine pages.”
It adds: “It appears that LaBeouf has something to hide, as LaBeouf has suspiciously claimed he no longer has any other responsive documents in his possession or control, as he lost or misplaced his electronic devices, or destroyed relevant information prior to the initiation of this action.”
Meanwhile, Barnett claims she “has produced voluminous responsive documents and substantive written responses” to assist with the trial.
The filing then states that “at the eleventh hours, LaBeouf inexplicably refuses to be deposed first, despite entering into multiple agreements between counsel that both parties would be deposed within the same week”. It also claims they previously agreed that LaBeouf would deliver his deposition first and said this is a “longstanding agreement”.
In response, legal representatives for LaBeouf stated that Barnett had also previously been the reason for the case being delayed, claiming she “is working so much that she has been too busy over the past two years to even appear for her deposition.”
Following the initial accusations made by Barnett, LaBeouf issued a statement, noting, “I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behaviour made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalisations.”
The actor continued: “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 say.”
FKA Twigs is seeking $10 million in damages from Shia LaBeouf
Earlier this year, it was revealed in leaked court documents that Barnett is seeking $10million in damages from LaBeouf due to loss of earnings, opportunities and emotional distress.
In court documents obtained by In Touch in June, LaBeouf’s lawyer wrote that Barnett alleges “mental anguish” due to not finishing her album before touring, resulting in a loss of over $1million. The response also claims that she “has not provided support for this alleged delay, the reasons behind it, or that she would have earned an extra $1million for the album’s earlier release.”
His lawyer also mentions Barnett’s “lost professional opportunities” and emotional distress, adding that her “medical bills” total “$4,100 to a therapist.” Regarding the $10million requested for these damages, the lawyer stated that this would be “financially ruinous” for LaBeouf and that Barnett’s career “appears to be thriving” due to “her relationship with Shia.”
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