'Honey Boy' director Alma Har'el has lent her support to FKA twigs after she filed a lawsuit against Shia LaBeouf.
FKA Twigs
The 32-year-old singer is suing the ‘Transformers’ actor for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress during the course of their brief relationship in 2019, claiming she was subjected to "relentless" abuse from him, and now the filmmaker - who worked with them both on the 2019 drama - has praised the star for her "courage and resilience" in speaking out.
Alma said in a statement which also acknowledged Karolyn Pho's accusations of abusive behaviour from her 'Transformers' actor ex: "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.
"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, minimise, or rationalise domestic violence."
The 44-year-old director also expressed her hope that the positive messages of the film won't be diminished in the light of the scandal.
She said: "I'm grateful that survivors of childhood trauma have seen some aspects of themselves in 'Honey Boy' and might feel less alone in their pain. I hope that they don't take these events as a discouraging moment in their own recovery."
And Alma pledged to help victims of domestic abuse.
She said: "I 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."
In response to the allegations against him, the 34-year-old star admitted he is "ashamed" of some of his past conduct.
He said in an email to The New York Times: "I'm not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior 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. 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."
However, in a separate email he insisted that "many of these allegations are not true."
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