Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Shia LaBeouf 'Embarrassed' by Gay Slur Video

The Indiana Jones star "regrets" using derogatory term in YouTube video

Shia LeBeouf

Shia LaBeouf is "very embarrassed" about a video posted on YouTube in which he uses an homophobic slur in jest, the star's rep says.

The video – which circulated around the Internet on Monday but
has since been taken off YouTube – was recorded several years ago,
LaBeouf's rep told E! online.

In it, LaBeouf appears to be at a house party where, in an
attempt to entice his friend into a slapping contest, the star calls
the friend an anti-gay slur – and gets hit in return.

"The videotape that is currently being circulated is several
years old and captures Shia playing a game among friends in which he
uses a derogatory word toward a friend," LaBeouf's rep continued. "He
regrets having used the word in any capacity and is very embarrassed
that this footage is being seen by anyone."

This isn't the first controversy in LaBeouf's young career. The actor, who stars as Harrison Ford's sidekick in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was arrested for trespassing at a Chicago Walgreens last December (he was never charged).

LaBeouf, 22, later laughed off the incident, saying the arrest stemmed from a misunderstanding involving pimple cream after a long night of drinking.

Earlier this year, he was also fined $500 for illegal smoking.