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, known for his early role as Louis Stevens in Disney's Even Stevens, which earned him a Daytime Emmy Award. He transitioned to film, making his debut in The Christmas Path (1998). LaBeouf has also ventured into directing, with short films like Let's Love Hate (2004) and Maniac (2011), featuring rappers Cage and Kid Cudi, showcasing his diverse creative endeavors.
1 day ago : Shia LaBeouf Stars in David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' Film Adaptation: Trailer Released
Shia LaBeouf stars in David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson,' a film adaptation of their stage prison drama. The movie explores life's challenges. Critics review Mamet's exploration of fate.
2007: Justin M. Damiano comic by Dan Clowes
In 2007, Dan Clowes created the comic Justin M. Damiano, which Shia LaBeouf's short film Howard Cantour.com was accused of plagiarizing in 2013.
2010: Apology lifted from a Yahoo! Answers post
Following the plagiarism accusations for his short film, Shia LaBeouf's apology in 2013 was criticized, with some sites noting that it appeared to have been lifted from a 2010 post on Yahoo! Answers.
December 17, 2013: Released short film Howard Cantour.com and plagiarism accusations
On December 17, 2013, Shia LaBeouf released his short film Howard Cantour.com, which was noted for its close similarity to Justin M. Damiano, a 2007 comic by Dan Clowes, leading to plagiarism accusations. LaBeouf removed the film and apologized.
January 2014: Plagiarism accusations and cease-and-desist letter
In January 2014, Shia LaBeouf spoke about plagiarism accusations, described his next project as Daniel Boring (referencing David Boring, another comic by Dan Clowes), and received a cease-and-desist letter from Clowes' attorney.
June 26, 2014: Arrested at Studio 54
On June 26, 2014, Shia LaBeouf was arrested at New York City's Studio 54 theater and subsequently charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal trespass. Following the incident, LaBeouf sought outpatient treatment for alcoholism. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.
July 8, 2017: Arrested in Savannah, Georgia
On July 8, 2017, Shia LaBeouf was arrested in downtown Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. He was shown making "profanity-laced racial remarks" towards police officers during his arrest.
October 2017: Plea and Sentencing
In October 2017, Shia LaBeouf pleaded no contest to the charge of disorderly conduct and was found guilty of obstruction but not guilty of public intoxication. He was sentenced to probation for one year, a $1,000 fine, and therapy for anger and substance use issues.
August 2020: Denied firing from Don't Worry Darling
In August 2020, Shia LaBeouf denied that he was fired from the film Don't Worry Darling, stating that he "quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time".
September 2020: Criminally charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft
In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was criminally charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft for his involvement in an altercation with a man in June of that year. He pleaded not guilty.
September 2020: Replaced in Don't Worry Darling
In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was replaced by Harry Styles in the film Don't Worry Darling due to ostensible scheduling conflicts. Olivia Wilde later stated that she fired LaBeouf due to his "combative energy".
December 2020: Sued by FKA Twigs for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress
In December 2020, Shia LaBeouf was sued by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also detailed allegations that he abused another ex-girlfriend, stylist Karolyn Pho.
May 2021: Ordered into a diversion program
In May 2021, a judge ordered Shia LaBeouf into a diversion program, with the charges possibly dropped should LaBeouf complete the program within a year.
August 2022: Remarks on Real Ones podcast
Following the lawsuit by FKA Twigs, during an interview with Jon Bernthal on his Real Ones podcast in August 2022, Shia LaBeouf remarked that he had "hurt that woman", adding, "I was a pleasure-seeking, selfish, self-centered, dishonest, inconsiderate, fearful human being."
August 2022: Variety published story containing email forwards about Don't Worry Darling
In August 2022, Variety published a story containing email forwards sent to Olivia Wilde disputing her claims of firing Shia LaBeouf from Don't Worry Darling, along with photos of text messages and videos from Wilde asking LaBeouf to reconsider quitting the film. It was reported that LaBeouf gave Wilde an ultimatum to choose between him and Florence Pugh, with Wilde choosing Pugh.
April 17, 2023: Original date of the trial for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.
April 17, 2023 was the original scheduled date for the trial for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, for the suit filed by FKA Twigs.
November 6, 2023: Second scheduled date of the trial for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.
November 6, 2023 was the second scheduled date for the trial for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, for the suit filed by FKA Twigs, after being previously scheduled for April 17, 2023.
October 14, 2024: Third scheduled date of the trial for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.
October 14, 2024 was the third scheduled date for the trial for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, for the suit filed by FKA Twigs, after being previously scheduled for April 17, 2023, and November 6, 2023.
September 29, 2025: Scheduled trial date for lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs
The lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress is scheduled to proceed to trial in September 29, 2025, after being previously scheduled for April 17, 2023, November 6, 2023, and then October 14, 2024.
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