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, appearing in various movies. LaBeouf has also ventured into filmmaking, directing short films such as "Let's Love Hate" and "Maniac," the latter featuring rappers Cage and Kid Cudi. His career encompasses both acting and directorial roles, showcasing his involvement in various aspects of the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

January 2014: Plagiarism Accusations and Daniel Boring Project

In January 2014, Shia LaBeouf addressed plagiarism accusations, stating that copyright laws were too restrictive. He later 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: Berlin Film Festival Controversy

On February 9, 2014, Shia LaBeouf caused controversy at the Berlin Film Festival by 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 for "acting disorderly, yelling and being loud". He later sought treatment for alcoholism and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, while other charges were dropped.

November 2014: #Iamsorry Performance and Assault Revelation

In November 2014, as part of the trio's #Interview piece, LaBeouf discussed his #Iamsorry performance. He revealed feelings of remorse at the start but ultimately felt cared for. He also disclosed that he was sexually assaulted during the February performance, with Rönkkö and Turner intervening.

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, making profanity-laced racial remarks towards police officers. He attributed the incident to his alcohol addiction.

October 2017: Sentencing for Savannah Arrest

In October 2017, after pleading no contest to disorderly conduct, Shia LaBeouf was found guilty of obstruction but not guilty of public intoxication. He was sentenced to probation for one year, fined $1,000, and ordered to seek therapy for anger and substance use issues.

August 2020: LaBeouf's Claim of Quitting Don't Worry Darling

In August 2020, Shia LaBeouf denied he was fired from Don't Worry Darling and stated that he "quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time".

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September 2020: Criminal Charges for Altercation

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

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 ostensible scheduling conflicts. Olivia Wilde later stated that she fired LaBeouf due to his "combative energy" and issues with the cast and crew.

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December 2020: Lawsuit by FKA Twigs

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 against another ex-girlfriend, Karolyn Pho. LaBeouf admitted to being "abusive" but later denied the allegations.

May 2021: Diversion Program Order

In May 2021, a judge ordered Shia LaBeouf into a diversion program, with the charges potentially dropped if he completed the program within a year.

August 2022: Admission of Harm and Hiatus from Acting

Following the FKA Twigs lawsuit, Netflix removed Shia LaBeouf from its awards campaign for Pieces of a Woman. He took a hiatus from acting and began receiving treatment. In August 2022, he admitted to harming FKA Twigs, acknowledging his past selfish behavior during an interview with Jon Bernthal.

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August 2022: Dispute over Don't Worry Darling Departure

In August 2022, Variety published a story containing email forwards sent to Olivia Wilde and evidence disputing her claims of firing LaBeouf from Don't Worry Darling, including text messages and videos from Wilde asking him to reconsider quitting the film. It was also reported that LaBeouf gave Wilde an ultimatum to choose between him and Florence Pugh, with Wilde choosing Pugh.

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

The original trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf was scheduled for April 17, 2023.

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

The trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf, which was previously scheduled for April 17, 2023, was rescheduled for November 6, 2023.

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

The trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf, which was previously scheduled for November 6, 2023, was rescheduled for October 14, 2024.

September 29, 2025: Trial Date for FKA Twigs Lawsuit

The trial date for the lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf is scheduled to proceed on September 29, 2025, after being previously scheduled for April 17, 2023, November 6, 2023, and then October 14, 2024.