FKA Twigs Settles Legal Battle With Shia LaBeouf, NDA Voided: What It Means for the Artist

A Legal Victory with Broader Implications

FKA Twigs, the genre-defying British artist born Tahliah Barnett, has settled a lawsuit against actor Shia LaBeouf that sought to prevent him from enforcing a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) she argued violated California law. The settlement, announced in court on Tuesday by her lawyer Mathew Rosengart, renders the NDA void, freeing Twigs to discuss her experiences of alleged sexual abuse and to advocate for other survivors.

"Twigs stood up for something larger than herself, female survivors of sexual abuse," Rosengart said in a statement. "This victory frees her to discuss her experience, advocate for other women who might be less privileged, and support the charitable causes of her choice."

The legal dispute began after Twigs settled a sexual battery lawsuit against LaBeouf in 2025. LaBeouf’s legal team subsequently filed an arbitration demand claiming breach of contract over an interview in which Twigs said, "I wouldn’t feel safe" with that chapter of her life behind her. That arbitration was dismissed, but the settlement terms—which restricted Twigs from disclosing information about her own experience of sexual abuse and from discussing the issue in general terms—became the subject of her lawsuit. She sought a court order blocking LaBeouf from enforcing those portions of the NDA, arguing they contravened California’s STAND Act, a 2018 law that prohibits NDAs in cases of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination that don’t rise to felony prosecutions.

LaBeouf’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, stated that the actor "wishes Twigs nothing but the best in her life and career and, to that end, has agreed to end their long-standing dispute." Holley added, "Twigs has spoken about this matter for years and there is now nothing to prevent her from continuing to do so."

Twigs’ Advocacy and Artistic Journey

This legal win arrives at a pivotal moment in Twigs’ career. Beyond her music, she has become a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, partnering with organizations such as Sistah Space and No More. In her Hollywood Reporter cover story, she emphasized that her focus has shifted from personal pain to collective progress: "I think it’s less about me at this point and more about looking forward. Just, you know, moving on with my life."

Musically, Twigs remains one of the most innovative voices of her generation. Since her debut EP1 in 2012, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic, R&B, and avant-garde pop. Her debut album LP1 (2014) earned a Mercury Prize nomination, while her second album Magdalene (2019) was widely hailed as a masterpiece of experimental pop. After signing with Atlantic Records, she released the mixtape Caprisongs in 2022, further cementing her reputation as a genre-bending artist. In 2025, she released two studio albums—Eusexua and Eusexua Afterglow—with Eusexua winning the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2026.

Twigs’ career began as a backup dancer for artists like Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, and Jessie J before she transitioned to music. Her unique blend of dance, visual art, and electronic sound has made her a critical darling and a cult figure. Now, with the legal battle behind her, she can continue to create and advocate without the shadow of an NDA.

The Legal Context: NDAs and the STAND Act

Twigs’ case highlights a growing legal reckoning with NDAs in cases of sexual misconduct. California’s 2016 law barred terms in settlements that prevent disclosure of factual information about sex offenses that could be prosecuted as felonies. Two years later, the STAND Act expanded those protections to include sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment cases that don’t rise to felony level. The purpose is to deter secret settlements that keep misconduct by powerful individuals hidden.

LaBeouf’s lawyers had argued that the STAND Act didn’t apply because Twigs’ 2020 lawsuit only brought a claim for sexual battery, not sexual assault. However, the settlement renders that argument moot. Rosengart wrote in Tuesday’s filing: "This represents an important victory for the principle that women who speak out about sexual abuse should not be silenced by NDAs that contravene California law."

The outcome could set a precedent for other survivors who face similar legal tactics. By voiding the NDA, the settlement reinforces the idea that NDAs cannot be used to silence victims of abuse, especially when they conflict with state law.

What’s Next for FKA Twigs?

With the legal dispute resolved, FKA Twigs is expected to continue her artistic and advocacy work. She has spoken about the importance of using her platform to help others, particularly those who lack the resources to speak out. Her recent albums, Eusexua and Eusexua Afterglow, have been praised for their forward-thinking production and emotional depth, and she is likely to tour in support of them.

Fans can also expect to see her continue her philanthropic efforts. She has been involved with Sistah Space, a London-based organization supporting women of African heritage affected by domestic abuse, and No More, a global campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences has already inspired many, and the settlement ensures she can keep doing so without legal repercussions.

As Twigs herself put it, the focus is now on moving forward. "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 said. With the NDA void and her voice unshackled, FKA Twigs is poised to remain a powerful force in music and beyond.