Celebrities usually try to block releases that might show them in a negative light, but that isn’t the case this time with Shia LaBeouf. The actor is fully supporting the release of a new documentary that showcases some of his violent outbursts. LaBeouf is owning his behavior, but that doesn’t make the talented yet volatile actor’s actions any more palatable.
Per Vanity Fair, Leo Lewis O’Neil put together a documentary called Slauson Rec, named after the acting school created by LaBeouf in South Central, LA, back in 2018. O’Neil was able to obtain 800 hours of footage, and it captured the highs and lows of the school, particularly the actor’s violent outbursts towards members of the class, some of which turned physical. LaBeouf wanted O’Neil to film everything that took place at the school, and some of those acts of physical violence made it into the documentary.
In one instance, the actor gets physical with an acting student by the name of Zeke, and it gets increasingly intense as LaBeouf yells, “I don’t give a f*ck what you say to me… You’ve got it better than I ever had it. What the f*ck is the attitude problem? I’m giving you everything I have, stop f****ing with me.” The confrontation between LaBeouf and Zeke only escalates further, with Zeke ending up visibly bruised.
“[LaBeouf] walks away, then circles back again, and this time, he shoves Zeke toward a wall, tightly wrapping his arms around Zeke before threateningly whispering in his ear. At last, onlookers restrain LaBeouf, who gets in his truck, hits the gas, and drives.”
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“Slauson Rec examines the fine line between mentorship and manipulation in the pursuit of making art within an experimental theater collective,” reads the film’s synopsis. “In 2018, Shia LaBeouf launched a free theater school at the Slauson Rec Center in South Central, Los Angeles. What started as an open, egalitarian workshop quickly evolved into intense daily rehearsals led by Shia, pushing participants to their limits. First-time filmmaker Leo Lewis O’Neil, a participant from day one, documents this complex journey of shifting power dynamics, and the lasting impact on the diverse group over three years.” Watch a teaser for the documentary below:
Shia LaBeouf Has Been in His Fair Share of Trouble
Despite LaBeouf being a tremendously talented actor, he has been the subject of his fair share of trials and tribulations. The actor has arrests that go back to 2014, which include disorderly conduct, harassment, and other charges. In 2017, the actor was arrested for public intoxication in Savannah, Georgia while on location shooting a movie, and he was criminally charged in 2020 with misdemeanor battery for an altercation that involved another man, which led to the actor being ordered into a diversion program.
Some of the harsher allegations against LaBeouf were leveled a month after his acting school closed in November 2020. The actor was sued by his ex-girlfriend, musician and The Crow star FKA Twigs, for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. While LaBeouf didn’t admit total fault, he did state that he had been “abusive” to himself and the people around him for years. The case involving the lawsuit has been delayed on multiple occasions but is expected to go to trial on Sept. 29.
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For his part, it appears that LaBeouf has made positive changes in his life since these instances. He has a child with actress Mia Goth, with whom he has had an on-and-off-again relationship, although they have reportedly officially reconciled and have been together at least since 2022, despite announcing their divorce in 2018. He also isn’t hiding from anything in the documentary and gave O’Neil his full blessing to move ahead with it without making any cuts.
“I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit. I am aware of the doc and fully support the release of the film. While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved. Together we turned a drama class into an acting company. I wish only good things for Leo and everyone who was part of The Slauson Rec Company.”
LaBeouf first announced the theater school in 2018, saying in part, “You don’t have to be an actor; you don’t ever have to have thought about being an actor. You do, however, have to have a story that you’re willing to share.” He also stated that he was “trying to change the world” with the school. Perhaps it began with great intentions, and maybe he’s just an intense artistic guy, but it’s doubtful anyone showing up to that school was expecting the treatment depicted in O’Neil’s documentary. You can find more information about Slauson Rec here. In the meantime, LaBeouf is starring in the upcoming movie Salvable, which is in theaters, on demand, and on digital platforms May 2, 2025, from Lionsgate.
Source: Vanity Fair
You can view the original article HERE.
