Margaret Qualley speaks out on FKA Twigs’ allegations against Shia LaBeouf

Margaret Qualley has opened up about FKA Twigs’ allegations of abuse against Shia LaBeouf, who they have both dated in the past.

During an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the actress opened up about how she supported Twigs – née Tahliah Barnett – after the musician filed a lawsuit against LaBeouf in December 2020, alleging sexual drumming and mental abuse.

The following January, Qualley parted ways with the actor – and a month later published an Elle magazine cover in which Twigs detailed the abuse. When asked why she captioned it, “Thank you,” Qualley told Harper’s, “It was important to me that she knew I believe her – and it’s that simple. “

The young star added that she did not want to talk about her personal life, but that she understands her new role in “Maid”. where she plays an emotionally abused character, would undoubtedly raise questions about her relationship with LaBeouf.

Instead, she focused on talking about her character experiencing the abuse and how she had prepared for it, saying, “Unfortunately, it’s so common. And it’s true that over half of people experience some level of psychological threat in a relationship in their lifetime. I just did my best to read the script and experience Alex’s reality in the scenes as much as possible. “

Barnett’s initial lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims LaBeouf knowingly passed on a sexually transmitted disease to him, court documents show. He also accused him of “relentless abuse” including sexual assault, assault and emotional distress.

In response, LaBeouf first told the New York Times that if “many of these allegations are not true” he does not feel “in a position to defend any of my actions”. Instead, he believes he “owes these women the opportunity to publicly release their statements and accept responsibility for what I have done.”

In a legal brief responding to his lawsuit, LaBeouf’s team subsequently insisted that he “denies, generally and specifically, every allegation in [Barnett]the complaint, denies that [Barnett] suffered harm or loss as a result of an act or omission on the part of [LaBeouf], and denies that [Barnett] is entitled to any compensation or compensation. “

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or domestic violence, seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in distress.