Actor and artist Shia LaBeouf has agreed to undergo counseling and pay $2,680 in fees and fines after a highly-publicized arrest earlier this year.
On July 8, Labeouf is said to have approached a random Georgian and an officer with the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department and asked for a cigarette.
After being denied the cigarette, Labeouf then allegedly launched into a drunken tirade. Police say that during this alleged alcohol-infused meltdown, he proceeded to shout profanities and vulgarity in front of children.
Then, according to the police, as they tried to arrest the actor, he gave chase–into a nearby hotel where he was later arrested.
Bodycam footage shows the ensuing–and now infamous–arrest.
Labeouf can be seen and heard saying, “Excuse me sir … I have rights. I have rights! I’m an American. You’ve got me in my hotel. Arresting in my hotel for doing what, sir?”
The actor and artist then complains about the tightness of his cuffs while repeatedly referring to the officer in control of him as “bro.” He pleads again and again for an explanation of why he’s being arrested. The officer in control of his body then clarifies that a different officer is arresting him. Labeouf trains his eyes on the arresting officer and says, “You’re a piece of shit, bro.”
Other highlights include Labeouf saying, “I’m a fucking American. I pay my taxes, get these shits off my fucking arms,” in reference to the handcuffs. He later tells an officer, “I got more millionaire lawyers than you know what to do with.”
The “Holes” star was later charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Today, Labeouf reached a plea deal with prosecutors where he pleaded guilty to the obstruction charge and no contest to the disorderly conduct charge. The public drunkenness charge was dropped.
As part of his plea agreement, in addition to the fees and fines, Labeouf will undergo anger management counseling, submit himself to a drug and alcohol evaluation within 30 days of sentencing, complete a driver’s safety course within three months, complete 100 hours of community service, and write a letter of apology to the officers involved in his arrest.
He’ll also be on probation for 12 months.
Labeouf later offered contrition via the internet. He said, amongst other things, “I have been struggling with addiction publicly for far too long.”
[image via screengrab]
Follow Colin Kalmbacher on Twitter: @colinkalmbacher
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