FKA Twigs has accused her ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf of “abusing” the legal process ahead of their sexual battery trial.
The singer-songwriter (real name Tahliah Barnett) was previously in a relationship with the actor and after their split, came forward with accusations of abuse – citing physical and verbal abuse, sexual battery and emotional distress.
She first filed the lawsuit in 2020, and stated that LaBeouf was a danger to women, had slammed her into a car, tried to strangle her and knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted disease.
His lawyers responded at the time by saying he did not cause her harm and the actor has said he denied “each and every allegation” raised against him.
The trial between the two was originally set for a date in November 2023, but both parties later agreed to a continuance, postponing the trial to Monday, October 14, 2024.
Now, People has reviewed documents filed by Twigs’ attorneys in California Superior Court on Friday (October 18), and reported that the filing accuses LaBeouf of evading her legal team as they prepare for the trial.
Shia LaBeouf attends the “Megalopolis” Red Carpet, 2024. CREDIT: Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
According to the outlet, the court papers claim that Twigs has “produced voluminous responsive documents and substantive written responses” but “LaBeouf’s responses to written discovery in this case has been egregiously evasive and non-responsive, which has ultimately resulted in a document production consisting of only nine pages.”
It also alleges that the actor “suspiciously claimed” he no longer has pertinent documents or the requested electronic devices, and claims he has been avoiding a disposition – becoming “suddenly unavailable” when expected to sit down for questioning on October 11.
Addressing the documents, Twigs’ attorney told the outlet on Monday October 21: “As stated in our papers, Shia LaBeouf has not only mistreated my client, but continues to abuse the discovery process in this litigation. What does he have to hide? We are seeking the courts intervention to stop his nonsense.”
In response to the new legal papers, Shawn Holley – an attorney for the Transformers actor – told People: “This dispute concerns whose deposition is to proceed first and nothing more. Ms. Barnett’s counsels’ attempt to turn a very simple issue into something sinister is unfortunate.”
The deposition is now expected to be held on Friday (October 25).
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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