Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Harry Styles, Shia LaBeouf, Film and TV
Shia LaBeouf has denied that he was fired from Olivia Wilde's new movie Don't Worry Darling.
The Disturbia star was originally cast in the lead role of the long-awaited 1950s drama, starring alongside British star Florence Pugh.
However, Wilde claimed this week that she had to drop the actor from the production due to concerns over his approach to the craft.
In a recent interview, the director said she 'admired' LaBeouf but had concerns over his 'combative' process, which meant that she couldn't guarantee the safety of the rest of the cast.
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She told Variety: "I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work: His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions.
"He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances.
"I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work. Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job."
LaBeouf has now come out and defended himself, saying he was in no way dismissed from the film.
In an email to Variety, the 36-year-old said he actually quit the movie on 17 August 2020 because of a 'lack of rehearsal time'.
He also forwarded two emails he sent to Wilde on 24 and 25 August, after the recent article was published, which read: "I am greatly honoured by your words on my work; thank you, that felt good to read. I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired, however.
"You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors and I couldn’t find time to rehearse."
Adding: "I know that you are beginning your press run for DWD and that the news of my firing is attractive clickbait, as I am still persona-non-grata and may remain as such for the rest of my life.
"But, speaking of my daughter, I often think about the news articles she will read when she is literate. And though I owe, and will owe for the rest of my life, I only owe for my actions."
LaBeouf also forwarded screenshots of text messages he sent Wilde back in 2020, explaining why he could no longer play the part of Jack, which was subsequently taken on by Harry Styles.
He also sent the publication a video Wilde allegedly sent the actor on 19 August, two days after he says he quit, in which she can be seen trying to convince him to stay onboard while hinting at issues between him and Pugh.
Variety claimed the text messages were exchanged before the production learned of LaBeouf's acting process.
A few months after he left the production, it was revealed that LaBeouf's former partner FKA Twigs, real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett, was suing him over allegations of domestic violence.
The lawsuit is set to go to trial in April next year.
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