Shia LaBeouf Says He Quit ‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ Wasn’t Fired


Shia LaBeouf, Olivia Wilde
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His side of the story. Shia LaBeoufIs denying that he was fired Don’t Worry Darling after director Olivia Wilde claimed his “process” wasn’t safe for others on set.

The Even Stevens36-year old alum responds to Wilde’s allegations, 48. Variety cover story, telling the outlet in a Thursday, August 25, statement that he “quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time.” He sent the outlet emails he claimed to have exchanged with the House alum, in which he wrote, “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.”

He went on to allege: “Firing me never took place, Olivia. And I understand the appeal of telling that story due to the current social landscape and the social currency it brings. It isn’t true. As someone who strives to correct things, I humbly ask that you correct the narrative. I hope none of this negatively effects you, and that your film is successful in all the ways you want it to be.”

Along with his email, the Peanut Butter FalconStar included a video Wilde allegedly sent him in August 2020. “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,” she said, seemingly referring to LaBeouf’s departure from the movie.

LaBeouf was originally cast as Jack in the upcoming thriller. It will be released in theaters this fall. September 2020 was the first news that broke about this development. Harry StylesThe replaced Honey BoyActor in the role. The “Golden” musician, 28, stars alongside Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Nick KrollWilde, with whom Wilde struck up a relationship while filming.

In her Varietyprofile, published Wednesday, August 24, 2009. BooksmartDirector offered explanations for LaBeouf’s exit from the project. “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,” she claimed. “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 trust and safety is the best environment to encourage people to do their best work. To protect the cast and production, my ultimate responsibility is to them. That was my job.”

Shia LaBeouf Denies Olivia Wilde Fired Him From Don't Worry Darling 2

(L-R) Olivia Wilde, Nick Kroll, and Chris Pine in New Line Cinema’s ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’
Warner Bros. Pictures

Wilde, who has previously asserted that she has a “no a–holes policy” for her movies, noted that she wanted Pugh, 26, to feel as comfortable as possible with her scene partner. “A lot came to light after this happened that really troubled me, in terms of his behavior,” she continued. “For our film, what we really needed was an energy that was incredibly supportive. With a movie like this I knew I was going to ask Florence to be vulnerable. My priority was to make her feel safe and supported. … I find myself just really wishing [Shia] health and evolution because I believe in restorative justice.”

His departure from the country was months later Don’t Worry Darling made headlines, LaBeouf’s ex FKA Twigs accused him of “relentless abuse, assault, sexual battery and infliction of emotional distress” throughout their nine-month relationship. In her December 2020 lawsuit, Grammy nominee LaBeouf also claimed she knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted illness.

“I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel,” he told The New York TimesIn a statement during the scandal. “I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to everyone and myself for years. I have a history involving hurting those closest to my heart. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.”

At the time, Transformers actor claimed “many of these allegations are not true” but told the newspaper that he “accepts accountability for those things I have done.”

In his email, he shared with VarietyLaBeouf stated that he was making good progress in his sobriety. He also claimed that he wanted to be a better father for Isabel (who he shares with). Mia Goth.

“I have embarked on a journey that feels redemptive & righteous (dirty word but fitting),” he told Wilde. “I write to you now with 627 days of sobriety and a moral compass that never existed before my great humbling that was the last year and a quarter of my life. I reached out to you a few months ago to make amends; & I still pray one day, you can find space in your heart to forgive me for the failed collaboration we shared. … My failings with Twigs are fundamental and real, but they are not the narrative that has been presented. There is a place and a time to deal with such issues. I am trying my best to navigate a nuanced scenario with respect for Twigs and the truth. But this situation with your film and my ‘firing’ will never have a court date with which to deal with the facts. If lies are repeated enough in the public they become truth.”