Shia LaBeouf Sorry He Plagiarized His Short Film

Shia LaBeouf directed a short film, “HowardCantour.com,” that basically fires shots at film critics. Funnily enough, these same critics realized the short was plagiarized word for word from an illustrated short by Daniel Clowes called Justin M. Damiano. Clowes wasn’t credited in the film. Shia’s short, which had been online, has now been password protected after the backlash.

Late last night, Shia LaBeouf issued an apology in which he claimed to have been merely inspired by Clowes work and just forgot to credit him.

Copying isn’t particularly creative work. Being inspired by someone else’s idea to produce something new and different IS creative work. In my excitement and naiveté as an amateur filmmaker, I got lost in the creative process and neglected to follow proper accreditation. I’m embarrassed that I failed to credit @danielclowes for his original graphic novella Justin M. Damiano, which served as my inspiration. 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. 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.

I fucked up.

It’s one of those apologies that walk the line between a real apology meant to gain back respect and a brush-off. If we saw Shia apologize to Daniel in real life, it would look like this: “Sorry, bro.” *shrugs, raises fist for a dap*

Hilariously, the first part of Shia’s apology may have also been plagiarized. Which makes me think he’s just trolling everyone.