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 debuted in film with The Christmas Path (1998) and later ventured into directing short films, including Let's Love Hate (2004) and Maniac (2011), the latter featuring rappers Cage and Kid Cudi. LaBeouf has worked steadily in both television and film, expanding his creative endeavors to include directing.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2010: Plagiarism in LaBeouf's Apology

In 2010, a post appeared on Yahoo! Answers. Sites noted that Shia LaBeouf's apology for plagiarizing Dan Clowes' comic appeared to have been lifted from this post, leading to criticism over his sincerity.

December 17, 2013: LaBeouf Releases Howard Cantour.com

On December 17, 2013, Shia LaBeouf released his short film Howard Cantour.com to the Internet, which was quickly noted for its close similarities to Dan Clowes' 2007 comic Justin M. Damiano, leading to plagiarism accusations.

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January 2014: LaBeouf's Views on Copyright and Daniel Boring Project

In January 2014, Shia LaBeouf discussed the plagiarism accusations with Bleeding Cool, stating that he viewed copyright laws as too restrictive. He later tweeted a description of his next project, Daniel Boring, which was also taken word-for-word from a description by Dan Clowes of his comic.

June 26, 2014: LaBeouf 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 after behaving disruptively. He later sought treatment for alcoholism.

July 8, 2017: LaBeouf Arrested in Savannah, Georgia

On July 8, 2017, Shia LaBeouf was arrested in downtown Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. He made racial remarks towards police officers during his arrest.

October 2017: LaBeouf Sentenced After Savannah Arrest

In October 2017, Shia LaBeouf pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and was found guilty of obstruction (but not guilty of public intoxication) following his arrest in Savannah, Georgia. He was sentenced to probation, fined, and ordered to seek therapy.

August 2020: LaBeouf Claims He Quit Don't Worry Darling

In August 2020, Shia LaBeouf claimed he "quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time" of Don't Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde. Wilde disputed those claims.

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September 2020: LaBeouf Criminally Charged with Battery and Petty Theft

In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was criminally charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft for his involvement in an altercation in June of that year. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

September 2020: LaBeouf Replaced by Harry Styles in Don't Worry Darling

In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was replaced by Harry Styles in the film Don't Worry Darling due to purported scheduling conflicts. Olivia Wilde later claimed she fired LaBeouf because of his "combative energy."

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December 2020: FKA Twigs Sues LaBeouf for Abuse

In December 2020, Shia LaBeouf was sued by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, with allegations of abuse also detailed against another ex-girlfriend, Karolyn Pho. LaBeouf initially responded with an admission of being "abusive" but later denied the allegations. The lawsuit was eventually settled.

August 2022: Variety Publishes Story on Don't Worry Darling Controversy

In August 2022, Variety published a story containing email forwards sent to Olivia Wilde disputing her firing claims along with photos of text messages and videos from Wilde in August 2020 asking LaBeouf to reconsider quitting Don't Worry Darling.

April 17, 2023: Original Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit

The trial for the lawsuit filed against Shia LaBeouf by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs, alleging sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, was originally scheduled to proceed on April 17, 2023, before being rescheduled.

November 6, 2023: Rescheduled Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit

The trial for the lawsuit filed against Shia LaBeouf by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs, alleging sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, was rescheduled for November 6, 2023, after the initial date in April.

October 14, 2024: Rescheduled Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit

The trial for the lawsuit filed against Shia LaBeouf by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs, alleging sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress, was rescheduled for October 14, 2024.