Fox News host Jesse Watters has recalled an alleged verbal confrontation with actor Shia LaBeouf at an airport that he says occurred more than five years ago. During Tuesday’s episode of Jesse Watters Primetime, the conservative commentator brought up the incident while speaking with playwright and director David Mamet, who was promoting his film Henry Johnson, which stars LaBeou
Watters told Mamet that LaBeouf had told him to go “eff” himself at a Delta lounge at the airport a couple of years ago. He sarcastically asked Mamet to pass along his greetings to the actor. Mamet responded to the story with laughter and redirected the conversation toward a philosophical comment about electing philosopher kings and queens rather than volatile people who love fantasies as actors.
The Fox News host first discussed this alleged encounter in 2019 while guest-hosting The Ingraham Angle, where he provided more details about what he claims happened. According to Watters, LaBeouf called him “trash” in front of his kids at a Delta lounge for absolutely no reason. He explained that he was at a Delta Sky situation trying to take off for a flight with his family when he walked by someone he believed was LaBeouf, who then allegedly insulted him completely unprovoked. Watters said he did not respond or lose his temper during the incident, showing restraint despite his own history of controversial remarks that have drawn public criticism.
The actor has not addressed the alleged airport confrontation, as legal troubles have recently been settled
LaBeouf, who is 39 years old and known for his roles in the Transformers film series and as a former Disney actor, has never publicly commented on the alleged interaction with Watters. The timing of Watters’ original account in 2019 and his recent retelling suggests the alleged encounter would have taken place sometime around 2018 or early 2019.
Well, smart people knows Jesse Watters is a piece of smelly trash
— ARTHUR
Fox News host Jesse Watters says Shia LaBeouf called him "trash" in airport lounge https://t.co/sXd5lLaazu(@avalenc111) August 15, 2019
The actor has faced other controversies in recent years, including a high-profile legal dispute with his ex-girlfriend, singer FKA Twigs. Last month, Twigs dropped her abuse lawsuit against LaBeouf two months before the trial was scheduled to begin in September. The lawsuit, filed in December 2020, had accused LaBeouf of sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress during their year-long relationship. LaBeouf denied all of the allegations in court documents filed in February 2021, even citing self-defense and denying that his ex sustained any injury or loss by reason of any act or omission because of him.
The former couple released a joint statement through their attorneys, Bryan Freedman and Shawn Holley, stating they had agreed to settle the case out of court. They said they were committed to forging a constructive path forward and wished each other personal happiness, professional success, and peace in the future. The details of the settlement remain private.
