Shia LaBeouf has attributed his recent arrest and alleged assaults to a 'small man complex' rather than substance abuse, in an interview with Channel 5. The actor, known for the Transformers franchise, was arrested on 17 February in New Orleans on suspicion of misdemeanour battery after allegedly punching two men and head-butting a third at the R Bar, while using homophobic slurs.
In the interview, LaBeouf acknowledged his behaviour was 'bullshit' but expressed reluctance to enter rehab again, stating he believes his issues stem from anger and ego rather than drinking. He said, 'I think I have a small man complex... it's something that has to do with anger and ego moreso than my drinking.'
LaBeouf also remarked that 'big gay people are scary to me' and implied the violence erupted after alleged victims touched him in a way that made him uncomfortable. He said, 'I'm like, standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg – I get scared.'
The actor was released on his own recognisance after his initial arrest but was later ordered to post a $100,000 bond and undergo drug testing and substance abuse treatment. A judge expressed concern that LaBeouf does not take his alcohol addiction seriously after a drug and alcohol test.
Police later obtained a warrant for LaBeouf's arrest over allegations he head-butted a third man and used homophobic slurs. He turned himself in and was released on a separate $5,000 bail. LaBeouf could face charges under Louisiana's hate crimes law, which allows enhanced penalties for crimes based on perceived gender or sex.
