Shia LaBeouf addresses New Orleans Mardi Gras arrest
Shia LaBeouf is speaking out about his recent arrest during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
In an interview with "Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan" posted to YouTube on Feb. 28, the actor reflected on the incident and the personal struggles he says contributed to it. While acknowledging his behavior was inappropriate, LaBeouf said he does not believe returning to rehab is the solution for him.
"My behavior [was] bulls---. I gotta deal with that," he said. "Does that mean I gotta go to rehab again? I'm just not into it. I don’t think my answers are there. I just don't … I genuinely don't. If I genuinely did, I'd go."
LaBeouf suggested his challenges stem more from anger and ego than alcohol use.
"I don't think I have a drinking problem," he said. "I think I have a different problem, and I’m gonna address it ... I think I have a small man complex. I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more than my drinking."
The actor added that he is continuing to reflect and work through what he described as his personal "journey."
"That's where I'm at now," he said. "I'm trying to navigate it. I'll figure it out."
Earlier in the interview, LaBeouf revealed he has not been sober for about nine months and accepted responsibility for the New Orleans incident, calling it "on me."
On Feb. 17, LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans after allegedly assaulting two men, according to police. The New Orleans Police Department said in a statement to ABC News that he is facing two counts of simple battery.
Court records show LaBeouf was arrested again on Feb. 28 and charged with an additional misdemeanor count of simple battery, according to The Associated Press.
LaBeouf's attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, told the AP that LaBeouf voluntarily turned himself in to the Orleans Parish jail.
"No regular person would be required to post over $100,000 in bonds, and be jailed two separate times for one misdemeanor incident," Chervinsky said. "Just as he does not deserve preferential treatment, Mr. LaBeouf also does not deserve to be treated more harshly by the police and courts just because he is a public figure."
LaBeouf has not entered a plea and declined to speak with reporters Thursday after a New Orleans judge ordered him to return to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, according to the AP.
ABC News has reached out to the New Orleans Police Department and LaBeouf's representative for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response.
