The actor apologised and said he is struggling with addiction, after video emerged of him using racially charged language toward a black officer

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Shia LaBeouf has apologised after a video emerged of him using racially charged language towards a black police officer when he was arrested for being drunk in public over the weekend.

The Transformers star said in a statement that he was “deeply ashamed” of his behaviour in Savannah, Georgia. He said: “I have been struggling with addiction publicly for far too long.”

“You’re going to hell, straight to hell, bro,” LaBeouf said to a black officer after his arrest for drunkenness, disorderly conduct and obstruction. LaBeouf also said the officer “arrest[ed him] for being white”.

LaBeouf claimed he was arrested for asking for a cigarette, but the police account said he was using offensive language in front of children and being disorderly.

“He was told to leave the area and refused, becoming aggressive toward the officer,” said the Savannah-Chatham metropolitan police department in a statement.

In his statement, LaBeouf put the behaviour – which took place in the police station – down to issues with addiction. He said: “I am actively taking steps toward securing my sobriety and hope I can be forgiven for my mistakes.”

The actor was arrested in January over a dispute connected to his art project #HeWillNotDivideUs. LaBeouf was involved with an altercation with a man with divergent political opinions at the project, which closed the following month after it became a “flashpoint for violence”.