NEW ORLEANS — Actor Shia LaBeouf has attributed his recent arrest during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations to his fear of “big gay people,” sparking widespread attention and criticism.
In an interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan released Saturday, LaBeouf, 39, described what he said prompted the incident outside a Royal Street establishment. “When I’m standing by myself and three gays are next to me touching my leg, I get scared,” he said. “I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that. Yeah.” He added, “I’ll be honest with you, big gay people are scary to me.”
LaBeouf, known for his roles in the Transformers franchise and Disney Channel’s Even Stevens, was arrested after reportedly hitting two people and punching another in the nose during the festivities, according to police statements. He was later treated at a hospital for unspecified injuries before being charged with two counts of simple battery.
In the interview, LaBeouf sought to contextualize his behavior, attributing it to intoxication and the chaotic Mardi Gras environment. “I’m good with gay — be gay over there, though. Don’t be gay in my lap,” he said, adding, “That’s why. I was drunk and it’s Mardi Gras. So everything I’m saying is nonsense.”
This incident marks another legal confrontation for the actor. In 2017, LaBeouf was arrested on suspicion of public drunkenness and reportedly made racist remarks to police. Those charges were later dropped, and he cited struggles with addiction as a factor. In 2020, he was sued by former partner, FKA Twigs, over allegations of abuse and knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease; the case was settled out of court last year.
A spokesperson for LaBeouf did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding his latest statements.
The actor’s remarks have reignited discussion over celebrity accountability, public behavior, and the boundaries of free expression during high-profile events like Mardi Gras.
