In today’s episode of “Hollywood, What Are You Even Doing?”, we bring you the latest from the ever-enigmatic Shia LaBeouf—who may or may not have mistaken an acting school for an underground wrestling league.
So, let’s set the stage: It’s 2018. Shia, fresh off his latest existential crisis, decides to open a free (very important detail—because who doesn’t love free chaos?) theater school at the Slauson Recreation Center in Los Angeles. But instead of just teaching monologues and stage presence, things apparently took a Rocky turn—literally.
When Your Acting Class Comes with a Free Boxing Lesson
Enter Lewis O’Neil, an unsuspecting student who Shia handed a camera to, saying, “Document EVERYTHING.” (Mistake #1, Shia. Never tell a film student to document ‘everything.’) Lewis did exactly that, capturing 800 HOURS of footage—so basically, enough content to keep Netflix stocked for a year. The end result? A documentary titled Slauson Rec that, among other things, includes multiple scenes of Shia getting handsy with students. And no, not in a fun, choreographed, stage-fighting kind of way.
One particularly eyebrow-raising moment shows Shia allegedly shoving a student named Zeke against a wall. Now, unless this was an advanced course on method acting for a prison drama, that’s… concerning.
Shia’s Reaction? “Yeah, Release It. YOLO.”
Most celebrities, when faced with a scandalous documentary about them behaving questionably, would probably summon their army of lawyers faster than you can say “defamation lawsuit.” But not our boy Shia. Oh no. Instead, he basically shrugged and said, “Yeah, go ahead and release it. Cool with me.”
In a statement to IconicHipster.com, he explained:
“I am aware of the doc and fully support the release of the film. While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved.”
Unconventional? Sir. That’s a generous way to describe WWE-style teaching methods.
And if you were wondering what Shia’s supportive partner Mia Goth thinks about all this? Apparently, she’s also a fan of the documentary. (Maybe they bond over avant-garde, full-contact cinema? Who knows.)
The Filmmaker’s Take: “Yeah, That Was… A Lot.”
Lewis O’Neil, the documentarian who captured all this madness, also gave IconicHipster.com his thoughts on Shia’s approach to “teaching”:
“It shows a lot that he is willing to have this be out in the world and not try to stop it. He had every reason and possibility to stop it…. He’s one of the most vulnerable artists I’ve ever seen.”
Vulnerable? Yes. But also, possibly too committed to immersive education.
When asked if he would categorize Shia’s behavior as abusive, Lewis hesitated but ultimately admitted:
“I don’t disagree with that word… It was f–ked up. Hurt people hurt people, it’s very true — and he’s a very hurt person.”
Oof. That’s the kind of introspective take you’d expect at the end of a very intense therapy session.
A History of Controversy
For those keeping track, this is not Shia’s first controversy. Back in 2023, his former girlfriend, FKA Twigs, accused him of sexual battery and assault—claims he has denied.
So, where does this leave us? Well, in the grand timeline of Shia LaBeouf: Performance Artist or Problematic King?, this documentary might be the most Shia thing to ever exist. Instead of running from the chaos, he’s embracing it.
But let’s just say, if you ever hear Shia is opening another “free” acting school… you might wanna bring a helmet. 🎭🥊
