Shia LaBeouf has come under heavy criticism after discussing his Mardi Gras arrest in an interview, where viewers described his remarks as “unhinged”.
The 39-year-old actor was arrested on February 17 following an altercation outside a bar in New Orleans during the city’s Mardi Gras festivities. He was charged with two counts of battery.
He was arrested again on February 26 in relation to the same incident after a judge was made aware of alleged homophobic slurs said during the confrontation. A third battery charge was added, and he was ordered to post a $5000 bail, per Guardian reporting.
Instead of expressing clear remorse, LaBeouf addressed the incident in an on-camera conversation with investigative journalist Andrew Callaghan of Channel 5 News on YouTube, where he attributed the situation to men flirting with him.
He told Callaghan: “I’ll be honest with you, big gay people are scary to me.
“When I’m like standing by myself and three gays are next to me, touching my leg, I get scared. I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that. Yeah.”
He suggested those interactions were what sparked the episode that ultimately led to his arrest during the widely LGBT-friendly celebration. He went on to add:
“I’m good with gay, [but] be gay over there, though. Don’t be gay in my lap.”
At other points, LaBeouf struck a more self-critical tone and linked his conduct to being intoxicated, stating that “everything I’m saying is nonsense”.
Still, amid a wide-ranging interview that Channel 5 viewers described as erratic, he also acknowledged he should not have become physical, saying:
“I am wrong for touching anyone. Ever. And that’s the end of my statement on this whole s***.”
He characterized his behavior during the night as “ugly” and indicated he was prepared to face serious consequences over the alleged assault.
“It was no good, bro. My behavior’s dirty, ugly, disgusting, so I gotta eat it, you know?”
When Callaghan questioned him about the possibility of serving time over what happened, LaBeouf responded nonchalantly:
“It’s another experience. Jail be another adventure. What are you gonna do.”
Following his initial arrest, police issued a statement saying:
“A man identified as 39-year-old Shia LaBeouf was reportedly causing a disturbance and becoming increasing[ly] aggressive at a Royal Street business.”
The incident is believed to have taken place at around 12.45am.
The New Orleans Police Department added:
“Once removed from the building, the victim reported being struck by LaBeouf who used his closed fists on the victim several times. The victims reported that LaBeouf left, but then came back, acting even more aggressive.”
NBC reported that the Even Stevens actor was held back by multiple people during the incident, and that he allegedly lashed out again at the same victim while being restrained.
Police also allege LaBeouf struck a second person, “punching him in the nose,” before he was restrained again until officers arrived.
Discussing what led to the fight, LaBeouf pushed back on the idea that alcohol was the driving factor and instead suggested his stature played a role.
“I don’t think I have a drinking problem. I think I have a different problem and I’m gonna address it,” he said.
He continued by pointing to insecurity about his height, adding:
“I think I have a small man complex,”
Before concluding:
“Some kind of Napoleonic, I don’t know what it is. I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more than my drinking.”