We all know how important keeping it real is to Shia LaBeouf.
That’s why it was so surprising to find out the Fury star had once again been accused of the ultimate artistic fraud- plagiarism!
When Shia posted his new film HowardCantour.com online Monday, the short made its way around the web quickly- all the way to comic book creator Daniel Clowes.
The Ghost World writer was appalled at the blatant similarities between the film and his 2007 book Justin M. Damiano. He said:
“The first I ever heard of the film was this morning when someone sent me a link. I├óΓé¼Γäóve never spoken to or met Mr. LaBeouf. I├óΓé¼Γäóve never even seen one of his films that I can recall ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ and I was shocked, to say the least, when I saw that he took the script and even many of the visuals from a very personal story I did six or seven years ago and passed it off as his own work. I actually can├óΓé¼Γäót imagine what was going through his mind.”
Well, it turns out we Shia isn’t being shy-a about what was in his head. After Clowes’ admonition went public, he broke down and confessed! He tweeted:
Copying isn't particularly creative work. Being inspired by someone else's idea to produce something new and different IS creative work.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
In my excitement and naiveté as an amateur filmmaker, I got lost in the creative process and neglected to follow proper accreditation
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
Im embarrassed that I failed to credit @danielclowes for his original graphic novella Justin M. Damiano, which served as my inspiration
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I was truly moved by his piece of work & I knew that it would make a poignant & relevant short. I apologize to all who assumed I wrote it.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I deeply regret the manner in which these events have unfolded and want @danielclowes to know that I have a great respect for his work
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I fucked up.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
We’d like to think this heartfelt apology means Shia has learned his lesson.
Unfortunately, the “heartfelt” apology itself is a little too similar to a Yahoo! Answers post from four years ago in which a user wrote:
“Merely copying isn’t particularly creative work, though it’s useful as training and practice. Being inspired by someone else’s idea to produce something new and different IS creative work.”
Wow. So much for keeping it real. Not cool, Shia.