Major Controversies Surrounding Shia LaBeouf: A Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Shia LaBeouf.
Shia LaBeouf is an American actor and filmmaker. He gained recognition for his role as Louis Stevens in the Disney Channel's 'Even Stevens,' earning awards and nominations. LaBeouf debuted in film with 'The Christmas Path' (1998). He expanded his career into directing, beginning with the short film 'Let's Love Hate' in 2004, and later directing 'Maniac' (2011), which starred rappers Cage and Kid Cudi.
2007: Original Comic Publication
In 2007, Justin M. Damiano, a comic by Ghost World creator Dan Clowes was originally published. This comic would later be the source of plagiarism accusations against LaBeouf.
2010: Source of Apology Plagiarism
In 2010, Shia LaBeouf's apology for plagiarizing Dan Clowes' comic appeared to have been lifted from a 2010 post on Yahoo! Answers.
February 2013: Departure from 'Orphans'
In February 2013, Shia LaBeouf pulled out of his Broadway debut in Lyle Kessler's play Orphans.
December 2013: Nymphomaniac Premiere
In December 2013, Shia LaBeouf starred in the Lars von Trier-directed erotic art film Nymphomaniac, which premiered; at the film's screening at the Berlin Film Festival, LaBeouf walked the red carpet with a paper bag over his head with the words "I am not famous anymore" written upon it.
December 17, 2013: Release of Howard Cantour.com and Plagiarism Accusations
On December 17, 2013, Shia LaBeouf released his short film Howard Cantour.com, which was quickly noted for its similarities to a comic by Dan Clowes, leading to plagiarism accusations.
January 2014: Plagiarism Discussion and New Project Announcement
In January 2014, Shia LaBeouf spoke about plagiarism accusations, defended his actions, and announced a new project that also plagiarized Dan Clowes, leading to a cease-and-desist letter.
February 9, 2014: Berlin Film Festival Controversy
On February 9, 2014, Shia LaBeouf caused controversy at the Berlin Film Festival by arriving at the red carpet wearing a brown paper bag over his head with the words "I am not famous anymore" written on it.
June 26, 2014: Arrest at Studio 54
On June 26, 2014, Shia LaBeouf was arrested at New York City's Studio 54 theater and charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal trespass.
November 2014: #Iamsorry Performance
In November 2014, LaBeouf talked about the trio's #Interview piece and their subsequent #Iamsorry performance, in which he occupied a Los Angeles gallery for six days wearing the paper bag and silently crying in front of visitors, he also revealed that he was sexually assaulted during this performance.
July 8, 2017: Arrest in Savannah, Georgia
On July 8, 2017, Shia LaBeouf was arrested in downtown Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and obstruction, during which he made racial remarks.
October 2017: Sentencing and Probation
In October 2017, Shia LaBeouf pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and was found guilty of obstruction. He was sentenced to probation, fined, and ordered to seek therapy.
August 2020: Claim of Quitting Don't Worry Darling
In August 2020, Shia LaBeouf claimed he quit 'Don't Worry Darling' due to a lack of rehearsal time.
September 2020: Criminal Charges Filed
In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was criminally charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft for an altercation in June.
September 2020: Replacement in Don't Worry Darling
In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was replaced by Harry Styles in 'Don't Worry Darling' due to alleged scheduling conflicts.
December 2020: FKA Twigs Lawsuit
In December 2020, Shia LaBeouf was sued by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.
May 2021: Diversion Program Order
In May 2021, a judge ordered Shia LaBeouf into a diversion program, with the charges potentially dropped upon completion.
August 2022: Interview on Real Ones Podcast
In August 2022, Shia LaBeouf admitted to hurting FKA Twigs during an interview on Jon Bernthal's Real Ones podcast, acknowledging his past behavior.
August 2022: Dispute over Don't Worry Darling Firing
In August 2022, Variety published a story with email forwards and messages indicating Olivia Wilde asked LaBeouf to reconsider quitting 'Don't Worry Darling', disputing claims he was fired.
April 17, 2023: Original Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit
April 17, 2023, was originally the scheduled trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf.
November 6, 2023: Second Scheduled Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit
November 6, 2023, was the second scheduled trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf.
October 14, 2024: Third Scheduled Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit
October 14, 2024, was the third scheduled trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf.
September 29, 2025: New Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit
The trial for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf is now scheduled to proceed on September 29, 2025.
