Transformers director Michael Bay recently revealed that he spoke with original franchise star Shia LaBeouf earlier this year. However, their conversation did not touch on the actor’s legal troubles. LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans on February 17 following a confrontation during Mardi Gras. He was charged with three counts after allegedly punching two men outside a French Quarter bar.
Michael Bay praises Shia LaBeouf following Mardi Gras arrest while reflecting on Transformers
Bay, who directed LaBeouf in three Transformers movies, told TMZ that he last communicated with LaBeouf roughly six months ago. The 61-year-old said, “He called me, and this was a very nice call he gave. He said he went on the Transformers Universal ride with his daughter.”
Bay said LaBeouf told him he had finally watched their movies through his daughter’s eyes and cried. LaBeouf had never told his daughter that he appeared in the films, but she was drawn to the Transformers ride. Bay called the experience a “great story.” LaBeouf, who played the lead character, Sam Witwicky, shares a four-year-old daughter, Isabel, with The Odyssey actress Mia Goth.
Bay also revealed that he has not checked in with the actor since their previous conversation. However, he added, “He’s a great guy, and he’s a great actor. I had an amazing time working with him, and I think he’s a very good person.”
The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that officers were called to the Royal Street Inn and Bar in Faubourg Marigny following an alleged altercation involving LaBeouf. Court documents say a manager tried to escort him out, but the actor allegedly attempted to hit. LaBeouf then allegedly punched a male patron who stepped in to help the manager.
The actor ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery. The court handed him a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. His probation terms include alcohol-abuse treatment and anger-management classes.
