Shia LaBeouf breaks his silence after New Orleans arrest

Shia LaBeouf has addressed his February 17 arrest in New Orleans, insisting he does not believe he has a “drinking problem.”

The 39-year-old actor spoke candidly during an interview on Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan, published on YouTube on February 28. Reflecting on the incident, which took place during Mardi Gras celebrations, Shia acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable but said he does not believe returning to rehab is the solution.

“My behavior was bulls***. I gotta deal with that,” he said. “Does that mean I gotta go to rehab again? I’m just not into it. I don’t think my answers are there. I just don’t… I genuinely don’t. If I genuinely did, I’d go.”

The Transformers star added that he believes his struggles are rooted more in anger and ego than alcohol misuse.

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“I don’t think I have a drinking problem,” he explained. “I think I have a different problem, and I’m gonna address it… I think I have a small man complex. I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more than my drinking.”

“That’s where I’m at now on my journey, and I’m trying to navigate it. I’ll figure it out,” he added.

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Earlier in the interview, Shia revealed he has not been sober for around nine months and admitted that the events leading to his arrest were “on me.”

During the February 17 incident, Shia was taken into custody on two counts of misdemeanor battery following an alleged altercation at Royal Street Inn & R Bar. According to an initial police report, one alleged victim was struck “in his face with a closed fist,” causing a possible nose dislocation. The report also alleged that the actor used a homophobic slur multiple times.

© Daniele Venturelli

As part of the conditions of his release, Shia was ordered to enroll in substance abuse treatment, undergo drug testing and post a $100,000 bond.

Shia was arrested in New Orleans for a second time on Saturday, February 28, after he was charged with an additional count of simple battery, according to the Associated Press and The Guardian. The new charge is in relation to the February 17 incident, according to a report from The Guardian.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on the new charge on Friday, February 27. The actor surrendered himself to authorities on Saturday, prior to a bail hearing. He posted a bond of $5,000 and was released from police custody, according to The Guardian.