Shia LaBeouf Says ‘Big Gays’ Scare Him in Bizarre Interview

Shia La Beouf is speaking out after his recent arrest on two counts of simple battery during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

In a new interview, the actor hinted at the reason for the bar fight while acknowledging that his actions during the incident were wrong.

Shia LaBeouf has also denied having a drinking problem, instead attributing his struggles to anger, ego and a “Napoleonic complex.”

Actor says ‘big gays’ scare him

LaBeouf finally broke his silence after he was arrested during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans following a bar fight.

In an interview with Channel 5’s Andrew Callaghan, the actor hinted at the reason for his recent bar fight.

He said, “I’ll be honest with you, big gay people scare me.” After being asked to explain, the actor said: “When I’m alone and three gay guys are next to me and touch my leg, I get scared.”

LaBeouf continued, “I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I am,” further stating that it happened to him “once” and that it was the “reason” he was arrested.

However, LaBeouf has been reluctant to speak further on the matter, apparently because his lawyer has told him to be careful in what he says.

Instead, he acknowledged that his actions were wrong, concluding: “I’m wrong to touch anyone. And that’s the end of my statement on all this shit.”

Actor says he has ‘little man’ problem

During the interview, the “Transformers” actor further responded to the claim that he has a drinking problem, saying, “My behavior…I have to deal with that.”

“Does that mean I have to go back to rehab? I’m just not interested, bro,” LaBeouf said, referring to a judge’s orders requiring him to undergo drug and alcohol treatment.

“I don’t think my answers are there,” he continued. “I don’t. I really don’t. If I really did, I would go. I don’t think I have a drinking problem.”

LaBeouf then suggested that his struggles stemmed more from anger and ego than alcohol, describing them as a “Napoleon complex” or a “little man complex.”

Shia LaBeouf shouted insults at gay people during his arrest

According to the New Orleans Police Department, LaBeouf caused a disturbance at a business on Royal Street and became increasingly aggressive.

After being kicked out, one victim said he hit her multiple times with his “closed fists.”

During his arrest, the “Fury” actor allegedly used homophobic slurs and profanity, leading the judge to warn him of posing a threat to the safety of marginalized communities.

One victim told authorities that LaBeouf shouted slurs at gay people, repeatedly using the F-word, and said, “These assholes put me in jail. I’m Catholic.”

The judge ordered LaBeouf to submit to weekly drug tests after an initial test detected substances in his system.

His bail was set at $100,000 and he was asked to participate in drug and alcohol treatment after his release.

After his release, LaBeouf updated his appearance, going to a barber to cut his overly long hair. He was seen wearing short sweatpants, a red plaid fleece over a dark hoodie, and then taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the altercation.

He tried to attend Ash Wednesday services but was unable to enter two closed churches.

The actor’s difficulties are linked to his separation from Mia Goth

Eyewitnesses described LaBeouf as appearing withdrawn and somber on Bourbon Street, accompanied by bodyguards and an entourage.

New Orleans musician Adam Araiza, aka Lil Unda, noted that the actor seemed “sad, lost and in a dark space… tired, like he’d had a long day.”

He also observed that LaBeouf looked lonely and in need of support, even as he looked out at the crowd and took comfort in a nearby “Jesus Saves” sign.

Meanwhile, insiders have linked LaBeouf’s struggles to his separation from his wife, Mia Goth, which occurred in 2025.

Sources say the “Frankenstein” actress ended their relationship after becoming frustrated with his erratic behavior and repeated arguments, and that the split followed months of tension rather than a sudden breakup.

“Shia is not the easiest person to be around. He is very intense, opinionated and goes to the beat of his own drum,” a source shared, noting that his friends often have difficulties around him.

Shia LaBeouf’s inner circle says he’s not responsible for his split from Mia Goth

Those close to LaBeouf stressed that he was not responsible for the breakup. After 13 years of intermittent relationship, the couple’s separation was due to incompatibility.

Sources who spoke to TMZ confirmed that the “Tax Collector” actor made efforts to save the marriage, including taking vacations and exploring religion, but that ultimately Goth didn’t want to stay married to him.

Despite the separation, LaBeouf remains committed to raising their daughter, Isabel, whom they welcomed in 2022, and has remained actively involved in her life while living in New Orleans.

Some insiders, however, suggested that LaBeouf’s drinking and personal issues contributed to the breakup. Goth reportedly hoped he would seek rehab after his recent arrest at Mardi Gras.