Shia LaBeouf says ‘gay people are scary to me’ while claiming homophobia led to Mardi Gras arrest
Shia LaBeouf Links Mardi Gras Arrest to Fear of ‘Large Gay Individuals’
Actor Shia LaBeouf has connected his recent arrest in New Orleans to a personal apprehension toward “large gay individuals.” In a conversation with YouTube personality Andrew Callaghan, released on Saturday, LaBeouf explained his perspective on the incident during the city’s Mardi Gras festivities. He mentioned feeling uneasy when surrounded by gay people, stating, “When I’m standing alone and three gays are nearby touching my leg, I get scared. I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that. Yeah.”
“I’ll be honest, big gay people are scary to me,” LaBeouf added, suggesting his discomfort stemmed from their presence.
A spokesperson for LaBeouf has not yet responded to inquiries about the incident. The 39-year-old, renowned for roles in “Transformers” and the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens,” was detained for allegedly striking two individuals outside a Royal Street establishment. According to police, the altercation escalated when he reportedly assaulted a third person by punching them in the nose, and he was subdued until law enforcement arrived.
The exact cause of the confrontation remains uncertain. However, LaBeouf’s remarks in the interview imply he may have reacted to the proximity of gay individuals. He said, “I’m good with gay — be gay over there, though. Don’t be gay in my lap.” When pressed, he admitted, “That’s why. I was drunk and it’s Mardi Gras. So everything I’m saying is nonsense.”
This arrest follows a previous legal issue in 2017, when LaBeouf was taken into custody for public intoxication. At that time, he made racially charged comments to officers, as reported by The Associated Press. He later issued an apology, attributing his remarks to struggles with addiction, and the charges were dismissed.
In 2020, LaBeouf faced a lawsuit from his former partner, British singer FKA Twigs, who claimed he choked her and intentionally transmitted a sexually transmitted disease. The case was resolved out of court earlier this year. His latest comments about gay people reflect a pattern of biased remarks, though he has not yet addressed them publicly.
Matt Lavietes is a reporter for NBC News.