FKA Twigs Ends Legal Battle as Shia LaBeouf Voids NDA

Key points

• FKA Twigs (Tahliah Barnett) filed a complaint in March 2026 in the Superior Court of Los Angeles, alleging that an NDA from her July 2025 settlement with Shia LaBeouf was unlawful under California’s STAND Act.
• The dispute arose after LaBeouf’s legal team initiated a secret arbitration in December 2025, claiming Barnett violated the NDA by stating in a The Hollywood Reporter interview that she did not feel 'safe' and wished to support survivor organizations.
• On October 6, 2026, Barnett notified the court she was withdrawing her complaint after LaBeouf agreed to terminate and void the NDA, effectively ending the legal standoff.
• Barnett’s attorney, Mathew Rosengart, described the outcome as a victory for female survivors, stating it frees her to discuss her experience and advocate for others without fear of reprisal.
• LaBeouf’s attorney, Shawn Holley, stated that the actor wishes Barnett well and agreed to end the long-standing dispute, noting that Barnett has spoken about the matter for years and nothing now prevents her from continuing to do so.

Background

The legal conflict stems from a 2020 lawsuit filed by Barnett against LaBeouf, alleging sexual battery, assault, and mental abuse during their 2018-2019 relationship. The two reached a settlement in July 2025, which included an NDA. In October 2025, Barnett gave an interview to The Hollywood Reporter discussing her involvement with survivor organizations like Sistah Space and No More, which LaBeouf’s team claimed violated the settlement terms. This led to a December 2025 arbitration attempt by LaBeouf, which was subsequently dismissed, prompting Barnett’s March 2026 lawsuit challenging the NDA’s legality under California law.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone and Billboard emphasize the legal victory and the implications for survivor advocacy, quoting attorney Mathew Rosengart on the 'unlawful' nature of the NDA and its violation of the STAND Act. The Hollywood Reporter provides a more balanced view, including a statement from LaBeouf’s attorney, Shawn Holley, who framed the resolution as a mutual agreement to end a 'long-standing dispute' and expressed well-wishes for Barnett. All sources agree on the core facts: the NDA has been voided, the lawsuit is withdrawn, and Barnett is free to speak. The primary difference lies in the framing: Rolling Stone and Billboard highlight the 'victory' for survivors, while The Hollywood Reporter notes LaBeouf’s side as a 'settlement' of the dispute.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the enforceability of NDAs in sexual abuse settlements under California’s STAND Act. The resolution sets a precedent that such agreements cannot be used to silence survivors, even if they were part of a prior settlement. It also underscores the power of public advocacy and legal challenges in overturning restrictive agreements that may violate state laws designed to protect victims of sexual misconduct.

What to watch

With the NDA voided and the lawsuit withdrawn, FKA Twigs is free to discuss her experience and support charitable causes without legal restrictions. There is no indication of further legal action from either party. The case may serve as a reference in future disputes involving NDAs in sexual abuse settlements in California.