by Larry FitzmauriceBuzzFeedBuzzFeed StaffI'm a writer and editor who lives in Brooklyn, New York, and I've written for a variety of publications across the last 20 years, including The New York Times, The Guardian, GQ, New York Magazine, Pitchfork, The Fader-the list goes on. This story discusses allegations of physical abuse and sexual misconduct. Shia LaBeouf is trying to clear the air when it comes to his recent arrest in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Dave Benett / Dave Benett/WireImage In case you missed it, a brief refresher: After being accused of "terrorizing the city" of New Orleans during his various Mardi Gras travails, Shia - who was previously accused of "relentless" abuse in a 2020 lawsuit filed by ex-girlfriend FKA twigs before privately settling last year - was arrested on Feb. 17 following a physical altercation with two men whom he'd allegedly been calling anti-gay slurs. MEGA / GC Images Earlier this week, a New Orleans judge ordered Shia to enter rehab as well as to submit to weekly drug tests - a development that followed the actor's public struggles with alcoholism, which has included a history of alcohol-related arrests. Laurent KOFFEL / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Despite all of these recent developments, Shia recently sat down for an extensive interview with YouTuber and journalist Andrew Callaghan (who, it must be noted, has previously faced sexual misconduct allegations, which he disputed through a representative, back in 2023) - and among the topics of conversation were the specifics of his arrest, as well as the court's orders. View this video on YouTube Channel 5 With Andrew Callaghan / Via youtube.com "My behavior...I gotta deal with that," he told Andrew while discussing the arrest as well as the order to seek treatment. "Does that mean I gotta go to rehab again? I'm just not into it, bro. I don't think my answers are there. I don't. I really, genuinely, don't. If I genuinely did, I'd go. I don't think I have a drinking problem." Channel 5 With Andrew Callaghan / Via youtube.com Shia went on to say that he believes he has a "different problem" - specifically, a "small man problem." "I think it's something that has to do with anger and ego more so than my drinking," he claimed, "but that's where I'm at now on my journey, and I'm trying to navigate it. I'll figure it out." Channel 5 With Andrew Callaghan / Via youtube.com Shia also attempted to explain the alleged altercation that led to his arrest, claiming that it took place because three gay men were touching his leg. "I'll be honest with you, big gay people are scary to me," he said. "I'm like, standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg, I get scared. I'm sorry if that's homophobic. Then I'm that." Channel 5 With Andrew Callaghan / Via youtube.com When Andrew asked him if this was specific alleged incident was something that has happened to him before, Shia responded, "It just happened one time recently...
Well, that's why I got arrested." He also acknowledged that he was "wrong for touching anyone ever - and that's the end of my statement on this whole shit." Channel 5 With Andrew Callaghan / Via youtube.com Shia also addressed recent rumors that his ex-wife Mia Goth, whom he shares one child with together, reportedly wants him to attend rehab as well. Justin Goff Photos / Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images "She's gotta say what she's gotta say, bro. Let her live," he responded. "That's a good girl. That's one of the best girls that ever lived. She's incredible, that woman." When Andrew asked Shia if his "long-term plan" would be to "repair" his relationship with Mia, the actor responded, "Repair nothing. We're good as-is...
We're trying to figure out co-parenting, and we're good." Channel 5 With Andrew Callaghan / Via youtube.com "Even through all this, she gives me grace," he went on. "I still talk to my kid twice a day. She's a good woman, bro. Any other woman would be like, 'Fuck you, get out of here. I don't want to talk to you.' She don't do that to me." Bauer-Griffin / GC Images Well, that is a...lot. If you really want to watch the entire interview, it's right here. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and find more resources here. Comments