Shia LaBeouf Says ‘Big Gay People’ Scare Him In Bizarre Interview

Shia LaBeouf 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 his actions during the incident were wrong.

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

LaBeouf has finally broken his silence after he was arrested during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans over a bar fight.

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

He said, “I’ll be honest with you, big gay people are scary to me.” After being asked to clarify himself, the actor stated that, “when  I am standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg, I get scared.”

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

However, LaBeouf hesitated to speak more on the matter, seemingly due to his lawyer telling him to be cautious about what he says.

Instead, he acknowledged his actions were not right, concluding, “I am wrong for touching anyone ever. And that’s the end of my statement on this whole sh-t.”

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

“Does that mean I gotta go to rehab again? I’m just not into it, bro,” LaBeouf stated, hinting at a judge’s orders for him to get drug and alcohol treatment.

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

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

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

After being removed, a victim said he struck them multiple times with his “closed fists.”

During his arrest, the “Fury” actor reportedly used homophobic slurs and profanity, which led the judge to warn him about threatening the safety of marginalized communities.

One victim told authorities that LaBeouf yelled gay slurs, repeatedly using the F-word, and said, “These f-ggots put me in jail. I’m a 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 instructed to participate in drug and alcohol treatment after release.

Following his release, LaBeouf updated his appearance, visiting a barber to trim his overgrown hair. He was seen in cropped joggers, a red plaid fleece over a dark hoodie, and later taken to a hospital for injuries sustained during the altercation.

He attempted to attend Ash Wednesday services but was unable to enter two churches that were closed.

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 had a long day.”

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

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