Shia LaBeouf’s Wild Hotel Moment in Italy – Actor Asks for a ‘Match’ While in His Underwear

Shia LaBeouf made headlines again after a chaotic moment in an Italian hotel lobby. The actor was spotted wearing only his boxer briefs while smoking a cigarette and asking someone nearby for a match. Video footage obtained by TMZ shows LaBeouf saying, “C’mon, bro… got a match? Give me a f-cking match!” A woman nearby seemed uncomfortable and quickly walked away from the scene.

The actor was in Italy for a personal reason, attending his father’s baptism. His trip abroad was initially blocked because he was supposed to continue substance abuse treatment in New Orleans. However, his lawyer successfully petitioned the court, and LaBeouf was allowed to travel.

LaBeouf has been dealing with multiple legal issues this year. In February, during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, he was involved in a bar fight in the Marigny neighborhood. Reports indicate he allegedly punched two men and head-butted a third. He was briefly jailed after receiving medical attention at a hospital.

Shia LaBeouf was seen in his underwear in an Italian hotel lobby… begging for a light. 🚬 pic.twitter.com/EOIWy8zP1A

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 17, 2026

According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, two of the men involved are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and allegations say LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during the fight. A judge set his bond at $105,000, most of which had to be paid before he could remain free. One of the alleged victims has publicly asked prosecutors to consider hate crime charges, citing a state law that increases penalties for crimes motivated by actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender.

In a YouTube interview with Channel 5 at his New Orleans home, LaBeouf explained his side of the incident. He said he felt intimidated by “big gay people” and claimed the violence happened after the men touched him in a way that made him uncomfortable. “Three gay dudes [were] next to me, touching my leg… I got scared,” he said. He admitted, “I’m sorry—if that’s homophobic, then I’m that.” He also stated, “I’m wrong for touching anyone, ever. And that’s the end of my statement on this whole sh-t.”

LaBeouf reflected on his behavior, saying anger and ego, rather than alcohol, drive his actions. “I think I have a small man complex,” he told interviewer Andrew Callaghan. “I’m gonna address it … I think it’s something that has to do with anger and ego more so than my drinking, but that’s where I’m at now on my journey, and I’m trying to navigate it.”

His attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, defended him, saying that LaBeouf should not be treated harshly simply because of his fame. “No regular person would be required to post over $100,000 in bonds and be jailed twice for a single misdemeanor incident,” she 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.”

On a personal front, LaBeouf has been separated from his wife, Mia Goth, for over a year. Sources close to LaBeouf tell TMZ that he was not responsible for the split and still cares deeply for Goth. They say the relationship “just didn’t work out.” Despite the separation, he remains actively involved in their daughter Isabel’s life. Sources close to Goth, however, deny that her career contributed to the breakup.

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