Shia LaBeouf “fully supports” release of documentary that includes his allegedly violent teaching methods
A documentary about Shia LaBeouf’s acting school, Slauson Rec, is set to be released soon. The film includes footage revealing the actor’s violent teaching methods.
Directed by Leo Lewis O’Neil, the documentary spawned from the filmmaker taking his camera to LaBeouf’s classes every week after the actor asked him to film his unusual approach to teaching.
He captured 800 hours worth of footage, including a violent attack on one of the students, which included verbal and physical abuse and threats, resulting in LaBeouf being restrained by the other students.
In a statement given to Vanity Fair, LaBeouf said: “I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit. I am aware of the doc and fully support the release of the film.”
He continued, “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.”
The actor was sued by the musician FKA Twigs, his former girlfriend, in 2020, who accused him of assault, emotional distress, and sexual battery. The lawsuit came shortly after he stepped away from Slauson Rec due to the pandemic.
In 2022, he appeared on the podcast Real Ones, where he said: “I hurt that woman. And in the process of doing that, I hurt many other people, and many other people before that woman. I was a pleasure-seeking, selfish, self-centered, dishonest, inconsiderate, fearful human being.”
Slauson Rec is set to be released soon, although an official date has not yet been shared. O’Neill told Vanity Fair, “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.”
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