Warning: This article contains content that may be distressing for some readers.
Shia LaBeouf's lawyers have denied all of the claims made by the actor's ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs in her lawsuit against him, in which she alleges he sexually and physically abused her.
FKA Twigs, real name Tahliah Barnett, accused LaBeouf of knowingly giving her an STD, strangling her, threatening her life and various other forms of sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress.
According to court documents obtained by People Magazine, LaBeouf and his team are entirely rejecting the accusations, and are even seeking to have the Transformers star's legal fees paid by his accuser.
"[LaBeouf] denies, generally and specifically, each and every allegation contained in [Barnett]'s Complaint, denies that [Barnett] has sustained any injury or loss by reason of any act or omission on the part of [LaBeouf], and denies that [Barnett] is entitled to any relief or damages whatsoever," the documents read.
LaBeouf's lawyers also refuted Barnett's sexual battery allegation, claiming: "None of the acts alleged were based on sex and/or the conduct was not sexual".
The response to Barnett's lawsuit also includes a request for the 'Ego Death' singer to pay for LaBeouf's legal costs and "further relief as the court may deem just and proper".
LaBeouf's stance is a far cry from his initial reaction to the accusations put forward by his ex-girlfriend, in which he admitted to being "abusive" and apologised to "those he hurt".
"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. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years," LaBeouf said in a statement late last year.
"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 really say."
LaBeouf later added the line "many of these allegations are not true".
In a recent interview with Louis Theroux, Barnett detailed her experience of being in a relationship with LaBeouf, revealing she had been left with PTSD from his habit of waking her up in the middle of the night to berate her.
The 'Cellophane' singer also claimed LaBeouf gave her a "quota" of touches or looks or kisses that she had to meet, which was always changing.
"His previous partner apparently met this number very well, so I was inadequate compared to a previous partner of his. And I had to get the touches and the kisses correct, but I never... knew what the number exactly was," she said.
"He would start an argument with me, berate me for hours, make me feel like the worst person ever," Twigs added.
LaBeouf's response comes shortly after he stepped away from his talent agency, going on an acting hiatus as he continues inpatient treatment at a rehab facility.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
