Shia LaBeouf Says 'Big Gay People' Scare Him In Bizarre Interview Addressing His Mardi Gras Arrest

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

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."

The Actor Says 'Big Gay People' Are 'Scary' To Him

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."

The Actor Says He Has A 'Small Man' Problem

“I don’t think I have a drinking problem.”

Shia LaBeouf opens up about his arrest during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, claiming he was standing by himself when three gay men started touching his leg which made him get scared.

(🎥 Andrew Callaghan/YouTube)pic.twitter.com/Nx0YtNdIuG

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) February 28, 2026

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."

Shia LaBeouf Yelled Gay Slurs During His Arrest Incident

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.

The Actor's Struggles Have Been Linked To His Split 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 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.

Sources say the "Frankenstein" actress ended the relationship after growing frustrated with his erratic behavior and repeated arguments, and that the separation followed months of tension rather than a sudden break.

"Shia is not the easiest person to be with. He is very intense, opinionated, and goes to the beat of his own drum," one insider shared, noting friends often struggle around him.

Shia LaBeouf's Inner Circle Claims He Is Not At Fault For Split From Mia Goth

Those close to LaBeouf have emphasized he was not at fault for the breakup. After a 13-year on-and-off relationship, the pair's split is said to be due to incompatibility.

Sources who spoke to TMZ confirmed that the "Tax Collector" actor made efforts to save the marriage, including vacations and exploring religion, but ultimately, Goth did not want to stay married to him.

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

Some insiders, however, have suggested that LaBeouf's drinking and personal challenges contributed to the breakup. Goth reportedly hopes he will seek rehab following his recent Mardi Gras arrest.