Crew Describe Turbulent Behavior by Shia LaBeouf on Recent Film Set
Months before his arrest in New Orleans during Mardi Gras celebrations, Shia LaBeouf’s conduct on the set of his upcoming film had already raised alarms among members of the production, according to multiple crew sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
LaBeouf, 39, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of simple battery after police say he became increasingly aggressive outside a bar in the French Quarter and allegedly struck two individuals. Witnesses reportedly restrained him until officers arrived. He was released later that afternoon.
But several crew members say tensions had been building well before the arrest, citing erratic behavior during the shoot of The Rooster Prince, an independent production filmed in Oklahoma last fall.
Five production sources described LaBeouf as appearing to adopt an immersive, Method-style approach to his role. However, at least three of those sources said the line between performance and personal conduct often seemed unclear. Crew members said LaBeouf would drift in and out of character unpredictably, creating confusion and discomfort on set.
“There’s Method acting, and then there’s whatever happened on this production,” one source said, characterizing the environment as “hostile” at times. Another crew member described ongoing tension between LaBeouf and a fellow actor, alleging that LaBeouf made repeated critical remarks about his co-star’s performance. Representatives for the actors involved did not respond to requests for comment.
One crew member offered a more measured assessment, noting that the film deals with emotionally intense material and that LaBeouf appeared particularly on edge during scenes involving difficult subject matter. “It wasn’t every day,” the source said, “but on certain days the atmosphere shifted.”
The most serious concern, according to multiple sources, stemmed from an unscripted moment filmed last November at Cowboys, a local honky-tonk venue that features live rodeo events. During what sources described as a loosely structured “run-and-gun” sequence, LaBeouf allegedly climbed over a seven-foot barrier into a bullpen while a live bull was present and ran across the enclosure.
Videos posted online appear to show LaBeouf sprinting through the pen before exiting over the opposite railing. Witness Erin Eirwin, who was in attendance, recalled fearing the animal might charge. “It looked like it could have gone very wrong,” she said. She described LaBeouf apologizing briefly before disappearing into the crowd as someone escorted him away.
Another spectator, Austin Starks, said he did not believe LaBeouf was in immediate danger, though he acknowledged the bull was inside the pen at the time.
Crew members said the incident created liability concerns. “It’s not just about the actor,” one source said. “It puts everyone in that space at risk.”
LaBeouf has previously been open about struggles with addiction and behavioral issues. In a 2020 lawsuit filed by former partner FKA Twigs, she alleged he immersed himself excessively in roles and described troubling off-camera conduct. That lawsuit was settled in 2025. LaBeouf has publicly denied certain allegations while acknowledging past substance abuse and aggression.
As recently as last year, LaBeouf stated he was sober and credited friends and collaborators with helping stabilize his life. He is currently slated to appear in another Oklahoma-based production later this year.
Representatives for LaBeouf did not respond to requests for comment regarding the set allegations.
While it remains unclear whether his recent arrest and on-set conduct are directly connected, several individuals involved in the production said the experience left them uneasy. “It’s one thing to commit to a role,” one crew member said. “It’s another when people don’t feel safe.”
