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 initial recognition for his role as Louis Stevens in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award. LaBeouf transitioned to film, making his debut in The Christmas Path (1998). He has also ventured into directing, with short films like Let's Love Hate (2004) and Maniac (2011), which featured rappers Cage and Kid Cudi. He is known for his work in both television and film.

Sections (5)

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

2010: Alleged Plagiarism

In 2013, Shia LaBeouf was criticized for his apology regarding the Howard Cantour.com controversy, with some noting that the apology itself appeared to have been lifted from a 2010 post on Yahoo! Answers.

December 2013: Premiere of Nymphomaniac and Paper Bag Incident

In December 2013, the Lars von Trier-directed film Nymphomaniac, in which Shia LaBeouf starred, 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 and Controversy of Howard Cantour.com

On December 17, 2013, Shia LaBeouf released his short film Howard Cantour.com, which was noted for its close similarity to Dan Clowes' 2007 comic Justin M. Damiano. LaBeouf later removed the film and issued apologies.

January 2014: LaBeouf Addresses Plagiarism Accusations and Announces New Project

In January 2014, Shia LaBeouf addressed plagiarism accusations, claiming copyright laws were too restrictive. He then tweeted a description of his next project, Daniel Boring, which was also plagiarized from a comic by David Clowes. Clowes' attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter, which LaBeouf posted on Twitter.

February 9, 2014: LaBeouf Wears "I am not famous anymore" Bag at Berlin Film Festival

On February 9, 2014, Shia LaBeouf caused controversy at the Berlin Film Festival by wearing a brown paper bag over his head that read "I am not famous anymore".

June 26, 2014: LaBeouf Arrested at Studio 54

On June 26, 2014, Shia LaBeouf was arrested at Studio 54 in New York City and charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal trespass for "acting disorderly, yelling and being loud". He later sought outpatient treatment for alcoholism and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

November 2014: LaBeouf Discusses #Iamsorry Performance

In November 2014, as part of #Interview, LaBeouf spoke about his #Iamsorry performance where he wore a paper bag and cried in a gallery for six days. He said he felt remorseful initially but ultimately felt cared for by the experience. He also revealed he was sexually assaulted during the February performance.

July 8, 2017: LaBeouf Arrested in Savannah, Georgia

On July 8, 2017, Shia LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. He made profanity-laced racial remarks towards police officers and later attributed the incident to his alcohol addiction.

October 2017: LaBeouf Sentenced for Savannah Arrest

In October 2017, following his July arrest, 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 for anger and substance use issues.

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" from "Don't Worry Darling" after reports that he was fired, contradicting Olivia Wilde's statement.

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September 2020: LaBeouf Criminally Charged with Misdemeanor Battery and Petty Theft

In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was criminally charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft for an altercation that occurred in June 2020. He pleaded not guilty.

September 2020: LaBeouf Replaced in "Don't Worry Darling"

In September 2020, Shia LaBeouf was replaced by Harry Styles in "Don't Worry Darling" due to "scheduling conflicts". Olivia Wilde later stated she fired LaBeouf due to his "combative energy" and clashing with cast and crew.

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December 2020: LaBeouf Sued by FKA Twigs for Abuse

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 alleged abuse of stylist Karolyn Pho.

May 2021: LaBeouf Ordered into Diversion Program

In May 2021, a judge ordered Shia LaBeouf into a diversion program following his charges of misdemeanor battery and petty theft. The charges could be dropped if LaBeouf completed the program within a year.

August 2022: LaBeouf Acknowledges Hurting FKA Twigs and Seeks Treatment

Following the lawsuit, Netflix removed Shia LaBeouf from awards consideration for Pieces of a Woman. In August 2022, during a podcast interview, LaBeouf acknowledged hurting FKA Twigs, describing himself as selfish and dishonest, and stated he had been receiving treatment.

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August 2022: Variety Publishes Story Contradicting Wilde's Firing Claims

In August 2022, Variety published a story with evidence disputing Olivia Wilde's claim that she fired Shia LaBeouf from "Don't Worry Darling". It included email forwards and text messages 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.

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April 17, 2023: Initial Trial Date Set for FKA Twigs Lawsuit (Later Postponed)

April 17, 2023, was initially scheduled as the trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf, but was later postponed.

November 6, 2023: Second Trial Date Set for FKA Twigs Lawsuit (Later Postponed)

November 6, 2023, was the second scheduled trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf, but was later postponed.

October 14, 2024: Third Trial Date Set for FKA Twigs Lawsuit (Later Postponed)

October 14, 2024, was the third scheduled trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf, but was later postponed.

September 29, 2025: Trial Date Scheduled for FKA Twigs Lawsuit

September 29, 2025, is the currently scheduled trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf, alleging sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.