Featured Image Credit: UPI/AGENZIA SINTESI/Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, Shia LaBeouf
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf has spoken out once again in response to director Olivia Wilde's claims she fired him from her film Don't Worry Darling.
The upcoming American psychological thriller is set to hit cinemas later this month with a star-studded cast including Florence Pugh, Harry Styles and Chris Pine.
Don't Worry Darling has been no stranger to drama, which came to a head during a spectacularly awkward premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
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Wilde, 38, claimed she fired LaBeouf in the hopes to protect leading actress Florence Pugh, 26, and keep her safe.
Shia LaBeouf, 36, was originally set to play Harry Styles' character, but he was replaced back in September 2020 with scheduling conflicts given as the reason for his departure.
LaBeouf is currently facing a lawsuit from FKA Twigs accusing him of sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress. LaBeouf has denied the allegations.
Wilde has be frank about her directing style, operating a 'no assholes policy' on her films.
The 38-year-old told Vanity Fair earlier the week: “My responsibility was towards [Pugh]. I’m like a mother wolf. Making the call was tricky, but in a way he understood. I don’t think it would’ve been a process he enjoyed."
At the time, LaBeouf denied being fired, saying he quit the film due to a lack of rehearsal time.
Now, the actor has spoken out again and taken a magnanimous stance to the controversy, telling the Hollywood Reporter: “It is what it is. Every blessing to her and her film.”
An open email sent from LaBeouf to Wilde when she first claimed she fired him reads: “Firing me never took place, Olivia.
"And while I fully understand the attractiveness of pushing that story because of the current social landscape, the social currency that brings. It is not the truth."
Alongside this, LaBeouf also leaked a video message sent to him from Wilde in which her decision to 'fire' him is contradicted.
In the short video, Wilde can be heard saying: "I feel like I’m not ready to give up on this yet, and I, too, am heartbroken and I want to figure this out."
Going into some detail about the nuances behind her decision, Wilde told Vanity Fair: “This issue is so much more nuanced than can be explained in private texts released out of context."
Responding to the leaked video, she added: “All I’ll say is he was replaced, and there was no going forward with him. I wish him the best in his recovery.”
Don't Worry Darling is set to hit cinemas 23 September 2022.
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