The Power of Speaking Out: FKA twigs on Healing and Accountability

Oct 28, 2024

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TW: This episode discusses domestic violence.

In this special episode, we sit down with singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, and model FKA twigs to explore her journey of healing, resilience, and reclaiming self-worth. In 2020, twigs courageously went public with allegations of domestic violence against her ex-partner Shia LaBeouf. As her legal battle approaches, she reflects on her decision to seek justice and shares her thoughts on the upcoming trial, emphasizing the importance of holding men accountable, no matter their status or success.

Twigs offers profound insights into her experience as a survivor, shedding light on how emotional manipulation can consume one’s entire psyche and leave lasting effects on both mind and body. She discusses the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship and the lifelong process of rebuilding trust and reclaiming every dimension of one's identity.

Released during the final week of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this conversation serves as a powerful call for empathy, accountability, and cultural change. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical tools to navigate difficult relationships and your own healing journey, twigs’ voice will resonate deeply—reminding us that recovery is not linear, but with time and self-compassion, it is possible.

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, help is available. Find the support you need for yourself, a friend, a colleague, or a family member: nomore.org/help

TIMECODES:

(02:55) Introducing FKA twigs

(04:25) Leaving her abuser and feeling isolated

(13:49) Ongoing physical and mental effects of abuse

(21:41) Speaking out ahead of the trial

(35:16) Recognizing narcissism and abuse patterns

(46:33) How men can help by embracing vulnerability

(52:48) Relearning trust after abuse

(1:01:45) Acceptance, healing, and impact on humanity

(1:05:55) Being Man Enough

QUOTES:

"One of the most painful things was realizing that I wasn't special ... It could have really been anyone. It was just bad luck that I got a part in a film." - twigs

"It really takes time to learn how to be me again. And I can say now, me was and is great, so I really want to be me." - twigs

"I used to thrive out of fear ... But now I embrace the darker, artistic sides of myself. Life doesn’t have to be all sparkles and rainbows — there’s a balance." - twigs

"Blaming someone for being in an abusive relationship is like blaming them for getting hit by a car — it just happened to them." - Liz