Kirby responded to abuse allegations in relation to her “Pieces of a Woman” co-star, accused of sexual assault and assault by FKA Twigs.
TIFF
Vanessa Kirby issued a statement to The Times of London (via The Independent) in reaction to allegations of abuse made against her “Pieces of a Woman” co-star, Shia LaBeouf. Published several days before the drama directed by Kornél Mundruczó began to air on Netflix on January 7, Kirby’s brief statement says: “I am with all survivors of abuse and respect the courage of anyone who speaks their truth. Regarding the recent news, I cannot comment on an ongoing legal process. “
Singer and actress FKA Twigs filed a lawsuit against LaBeouf last year for alleged sexual assault and abuse. LaBeouf opposite FKA Twigs in his autobiographical drama film “Honey Boy”, directed by Alma Har’el. According to the lawsuit, LaBeouf would have been violent towards FKA Twigs and knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted disease, among other examples of physical and emotional abuse. Following the lawsuit, Netflix removed LaBeouf’s name from the FYC’s award campaign for “Pieces of a Woman”.
Kirby and LaBeouf star in “Pieces of a Woman” as a couple who lose their newborn child during a turbulent home birth. The loss of the baby puts the couple in an emotional turmoil, with LaBeouf’s character becoming more abusive towards Kirby’s character. The story will likely cause many viewers to see the connections between LaBeouf’s character and the real-world allegations of abuse made against the actor.
In an email to The New York Times, which released the story, LaBeouf apologized for his behavior, maintaining that not all allegations made against him are true. “I am not in a position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel,” wrote the actor. “I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, just rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting those closest to me. I’m ashamed of this story and I’m sorry for those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say. “
Shortly after the FKA Twigs abuse charges against LaBeouf went public, another report came out revealing that LaBeouf had been fired from Olivia Wilde’s new film, “Don’t Worry Darling” due to his behavior in pre-production. Wilde replaced LaBeouf with Harry Styles. The filmmaker was one of many women who, in December, turned to social media to show support for FKA Twigs. Kirby, one of the favorites to get a Best Actress nomination for “Pieces of Women”, is now included in this group.
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