FKA Twigs denies Shia LaBeouf’s request for private records access
FKA Twigs has denied a request from Shia LaBeouf for her “highly private records ahead of their October trial.
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Shia LaBeouf and his former acting school are going under the microscope in a revealing documentary.
“Slauson Rec,” an upcoming film that centers on LaBeouf’s now-defunct theater school of the same name, allegedly shows the actor’s physical abuse of his students, according to Vanity Fair. The outlet spoke with the documentary’s director, Leo Lewis O’Neil, in an interview published Monday.
O’Neil, a student of LaBeouf’s at Slauson, began making the film after the actor spotted him with a camera during class and encouraged him to film “everything that took place.”
“I wasn’t the only one that was desperate for a community. Everybody who stuck through that program, I think, had an intense sense of being desperate for something like a family,” O’Neil recalled to Vanity Fair. “It was like the Island of Misfit Toys.”
A representative for “Slauson Rec” confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday that the movie is currently seeking distribution. Additionally, LaBeouf was not involved in the production of the film, aside from his appearances in the documentary.
LaBeouf launched the Slauson Recreational Center Theater School in fall 2018 at the Los Angeles rec center of the same name, and the school abruptly closed in November 2020, per Vanity Fair. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LaBeouf allegedly suffered from “dark” outbursts that led to “violent behavior” directed toward his students.
“What started as an open, egalitarian workshop quickly evolved into intense daily rehearsals led by Shia, pushing participants to their limits,” a synopsis of the film reads, according to a press release. “O’Neil, a participant from day one, documents the complex journey of mentorship, influence and the lasting impact on the diverse group over three years.”
Shia LaBeouf voices support for acting school documentary
O’Neil, who shot approximately 800 hours of footage for the documentary, reportedly filmed several instances of LaBeouf “initiating physical altercations” with Slauson students during the school’s final months, according to Vanity Fair.
One of the alleged altercations included a tense argument with a student named Zeke. After aggressively accusing the student of having an “attitude problem,” LaBeouf reportedly shoved Zeke against a wall. A clip of the pair’s conversation is shown in a film teaser shared on the Vanity Fair website.
“People let him get away with it,” Zeke reflects in a FaceTime conversation, after which he reveals scratches and bruises on his body, according to the magazine. “What kind of mentor does that?”
In a statement to Vanity Fair, LaBeouf said he “fully support(s) the release of the film.” O’Neil said the “Transformers” star has been sent a screening link to view the film ahead of its release.
“I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit,” LaBeouf told Vanity Fair. “While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved.
“Together we turned a drama class into an acting company. I wish only good things for Leo and everyone who was part of The Slauson Rec Company.”
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for LaBeouf for comment.
Shia LaBeouf accused of ‘combative’ acting, physical abuse
This isn’t the first time LaBeouf has been accused of professional misconduct and physical abuse.
In December 2020, LaBeouf’s former girlfriend, British singer and actress FKA Twigs, brought a lawsuit against the actor, accusing him of repeated physical, emotional and mental abuse during their nearly yearlong relationship.
Twigs, who sued for sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress, also claimed in the lawsuit that LaBeouf abused Karolyn Pho, a stylist and ex-girlfriend, and others.
At the time, LaBeouf responded to the allegations in an email to The New York Times, saying he has a “history of hurting the people closest to me” and that he was “sorry to those I hurt.”
Two years later, actress and “Don’t Worry Darling” director Olivia Wilde alleged in an interview with Variety that she fired LaBeouf from the psychological thriller because his creative process “seems to require a combative energy.” Wilde did not specify LaBeouf’s alleged on-set behavior.
LaBeouf disputed his exit from the film at time, claiming he quit due to inadequate rehearsal time.
“I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work,” Wilde told Variety. “Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job.”
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY
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