Jesse Watters Claims Shia LaBeouf Verbally Attacked Him At Airport Lounge

"Fox News" host Jesse Watters is reigniting an old grudge with Shia LaBeouf, alleging the actor hurled insults at him in a Delta airport lounge more than five years ago.

The conservative commentator brought up the alleged encounter during Tuesday night’s episode of "Jesse Watters Primetime," while interviewing playwright and director David Mamet about his new film "Henry Johnson," which stars Shia LaBeouf.

“Well, Shia LaBeouf told me to go eff myself at a Delta lounge at the airport a couple years ago,” Watters said, per Page Six, casually dropping the claim mid-interview.

He then added with a smirk, “So tell him I said hi. Will you do that for me?”

Mamet chuckled at the story, responding, “I think we need to … instead of electing very volatile people who love fantasies to be our actors, we have to start electing the philosopher kings and queens. What do you think?”

“I’d vote for a philosopher king or queen,” Watters agreed. “Sign me up. I may even donate. I’m not allowed to. Sorry Fox. Not in the handbook.”

This isn’t the first time Watters has called out the "Transformers" star. Back in 2019, while guest-hosting "The Ingraham Angle," he detailed what he believed to be a completely unprovoked attack by LaBeouf in front of his children.

“The other day, I was at a lounge at the Delta sky situation trying to take off for a flight with my family,” he said at the time. “And the actor Shia LaBeouf or whatever his name is. I think it was him, it looked exactly like him. I walk by and he calls me ‘trash’ right in front of my kids, you know?”

LaBeouf has never publicly commented on the alleged incident.

While Jesse Watters’ story adds another chapter to Shia LaBeouf’s long history of headline-grabbing moments, the actor himself has been candid about his deeply personal struggles over the years.

LaBeouf has openly discussed battling substance abuse and mental health challenges, revealing in interviews that he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with depression, shame, and a sense of emptiness. His public unraveling included multiple arrests for public intoxication and disorderly conduct, contributing to an erratic public image that often overshadowed his acting talent.

A former child star best known early on for "Even Stevens," LaBeouf has also reflected on the psychological toll of growing up in the spotlight. He’s spoken about blurred boundaries and the emotional weight of trying to transition into adult life under constant scrutiny, often without the support or guidance needed to stay grounded.

In recent years, LaBeouf’s journey has taken a more introspective turn. He has publicly acknowledged the pain he caused in past relationships, particularly after singer FKA twigs accused him of abuse in a high-profile lawsuit.

In December 2020, singer FKA twigs filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing LaBeouf of "physically, mentally, and emotionally" abusing her during their nine-month relationship. The "Tears in the Club" singer alleged that LaBeouf slammed her into a car, attempted to strangle her, and knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted disease.

The suit made headlines with its blunt opening, “Shia LaBeouf hurts women. He uses them. He abuses them, both physically and mentally. He is dangerous.”

Following the suit, the British singer claimed, "It's a miracle I came out alive."

"I think it's luck. I honestly wish I could say that I found some strength, and I saw this light," she told Elle. "I wish I could say, '[It is] a testament to my strong character,' or 'It's the way my mother raised me.' It's none of that. It's pure luck that I'm not in that situation anymore."

LaBeouf admitted to wrongdoing and said he was committed to making amends, both personally and publicly.

“I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations,” he wrote in an email to The New York Times. “I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt.”

In a follow-up message, he claimed “many” of the allegations were false, but said he believed Twigs deserved to air her experiences publicly and that he was prepared to accept accountability for what he had done.

In a more recent interview, the "Disturbia" actor revisited the controversy, acknowledging the deep-rooted trauma he’s faced while making it clear that none of it excuses his past behavior.

"I think, at heart, I’m a good guy. Am I f-cked up? Yes. Is my process ugly and disgusting? Yes," he admitted to The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year. "Have I done horrible sh-t in the past that I’m going to have to make amends for the rest of my life? Yes."