I've Hit a 'New Low,' Says LaBeouf

Actor blames racist tirade on his 'addiction'
By Linda Hervieux,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 13, 2017 3:03 AM CDT

Shia LaBeouf has apologized for a racist rant after his arrest last weekend, saying he's been "struggling with addiction publicly for far too long." TMZ reports the mea culpa came after a video emerged of the out-of-control actor telling a black police officer in Savannah, Ga., who was fingerprinting him, "You're going to hell, straight to hell, brother." He adds, "You especially, deputy. That's savage as f---, man. ... Because you're a black man." When a white cop responds, "That doesn't mean he's going to hell," LaBeouf says, "It means a whole lot, bro." The Transformers star was busted early July 8 after unleashing an expletive-filled tirade on a bystander who refused to give him a cigarette, and then ignoring a cop's order to get lost, per the Hollywood Reporter. In the cruiser, LaBeouf turns his fury on the black cop, saying he was arrested only for being white, per TMZ.

LaBeouf, 31, was charged with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction, and later released on a $7,000 bond. He tweeted on Wednesday that he had reached a "new low." He writes, "I am deeply ashamed of my behavior and make no excuse for it. I don't know if these statements are too frequent, or not shared often enough, but I am certain that my actions warrant a very sincere apology to the arresting officers, and I am grateful for their restraint. The severity of my behavior is not lost on me." He adds that he is "actively taking steps toward securing my sobriety." LaBeouf was arrested in January after he tangled with a man who disagreed with him over his art project, #HeWillNotDivideUs, per the Guardian. (A bartender who refused LeBeouf a drink is suing him for assault and defamation.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X