Shia LaBeouf says he&x27;s &x27;scared&x27; of gay people in postarrest comments Anna Kaufman, USA TODAYMon, March 2, 2026 at 6:50 PM UTC 0 Shia LaBeouf says he's 'scared' of gay people in postarrest comments Shia LaBeouf is offering a controversial explanation for his recent arrest in New Orleans. The "Transformers" actor, 39, said during a recent interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan that the pair of assaults he was criminally charged with amid Mardi Gras celebrations came after he felt "scared" near members of the gay community.
Shia LaBeouf says he's 'scared' of gay people in post-arrest comments
Anna Kaufman, USA TODAYMon, March 2, 2026 at 6:50 PM UTC
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Shia LaBeouf says he's 'scared' of gay people in post-arrest comments
Shia LaBeouf is offering a controversial explanation for his recent arrest in New Orleans.
The "Transformers" actor, 39, said during a recent interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan that the pair of assaults he was criminally charged with amid Mardi Gras celebrations came after he felt "scared" near members of the gay community.
"When I'm 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," he said. "I'll be honest with you, big gay people are scary to me."
USA TODAY has reached out to LaBeouf's representative for comment.
1 / 0Shia LaBeouf's movie roles, career controversies in photos
Shia LaBeouf has been in the spotlight for over a decade. After a breakout role in "Transformers," the actor became a Hollywood mainstay, his career spanning major film roles, off-screen controversy and legal troubles.Scroll for a look through LaBeouf's career starting withhis attendance at the premiere of "Holes" on April 11, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Shia LaBeouf ordered to rehab: Judge slams behavior after Mardi Gras arrest
The controversial actor and former child star was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 17, for multiple alleged assaults, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY. According to police, officers were called at approximately 12:45 a.m. after two men reported being assaulted. Investigators said LaBeouf was "causing a disturbance and becoming increasing[ly] aggressive" at a nearby business.
The "Megalopolis" star was later taken to a hospital for "treatment of unknown injuries," police added. LaBeouf's arrest followed his alleged disorderly conduct at the business, which prompted a staff member to oust the actor from the establishment, authorities say. After he was removed, LaBeouf reportedly struck a man in the vicinity, using his closed fists several times.
He briefly left the area, per police, but returned later and began acting "even more aggressive." While several bystanders attempted to hold him down, he allegedly struck the same man a second time, also with closed fists.
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While LaBeouf started the podcast by saying he took full responsibility and would face the consequences of his violence, he later seemed to imply that the assault came after he was made to feel uncomfortable near gay people.
"I'm good with gay − be gay over there, though," he said. "Don't be gay in my lap."
His comments came during a lengthy conversation in which the actor rose from his seat several times and denied having an alcohol problem, citing a Napoleon complex as the source of his troubles. The interview came after a judge ordered LaBeouf to enter treatment as well as complete weekly drug tests.
During a Feb. 27 court appearance, Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine scolded the actor for apparently yelling homophobic slurs during the brawl, per the .
Levine expressed concern for the LGBTQ+ community and "the safety of this larger community, especially relative to a marginalized community that has gone through so much terror," according to AP.
This is not the star's first run-in with the law: LaBeouf has been charged with multiple instances of disorderly conduct and physical assault over the years.
Contributing: Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shia LaBeouf says he's 'scared' of gay people in post-arrest remarks
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Source: Entertainment
Published: March 2, 2026 at 02:00PM on Source: PRIME TIME
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