Shia LaBeouf's 'Honey Boy' Director Sounds Off On FKA Twigs' Abuse Lawsuit

Alma Har'el, who directed both Shia LaBeouf and FKA twigs in the former's film, Honey Boy, has broken her silence on the singer's lawsuit against the actor for abuse and sexual battery.

"I have a deep respect for FKA twigs' courage and resilience. Reading what she endured left me heartbroken and I stand with her in solidarity. I’m sending my love to her, Karolyn Pho, all victims of domestic violence, and everyone who is trying to stop cycles of abuse," Har'el said in a statement via Variety. "As a filmmaker and an artist, I am drawn to stories that help us develop empathy for the messy parts of the human condition. Like many of Shia’s collaborators and fans who battled substance abuse, suffered childhood trauma, and face mental illness, I am painfully aware of my past investment in his recovery. I want to send a clear message today that none of the above should excuse, minimize, or rationalize domestic violence."

Har’el went on to emphasize that survivors of childhood trauma "have seen some aspects of themselves in Honey Boy and might feel less alone in their pain." However, she also said that she hopes that those survivors don’t percieve events like the lawsuit as a halting moment in their own recovery.

She followed up the sentiments by revealing that she will be donating in twigs and Karolyn Pho's names to FreeFrom, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Sistah Space. "I support and encourage victims in similar situations to speak up and seek help so they can create a path to safety and the healthy relationship they deserve," she concluded.

According to the singer’s lawsuit, LaBeouf "hurts women." "He uses them. He abuses them, both physically and mentally. He is dangerous," the suit detailed. Responding to the filing in an e-mail to The New York Times, the actor said he was "not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel." "I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me," he continued. "I'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say."

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