Jensen Karp apologizes to Shia LaBeouf for 2014 stunt mocking his performance art
Aux Features Jensen Karp
Today, Shia LaBeouf appeared on Los Angeles’ Kevin & Bean radio show as part of efforts to promote his Slauson Rec Theatre Company, a free theatre school open to anyone. During that appearance, co-host and writer Jensen Karp took the opportunity to apologize for a stunt he pulled in 2014, one that went to great lengths to pile on LaBeouf’s then-widely-mocked “IAMSORRY” art exhibit.
That exhibit famously featured LaBeouf wearing a bag on his head that read, “I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE,” while visitors could basically say or do anything they wanted to him. Karp took the opportunity to book the space next door to LaBeouf’s and put on his own parodic exhibition with actor Jerry O’Connell. Karp said he has decided since then that he took the bit too far.
“Watching Shia’s artistic and altruistic endeavors over the years, I have felt awful about this stunt, noticing his growth and importance as a creator,” he wrote on Twitter following the interview. “Today, we had him on @kroq’s @kevinandbean and I wanted to apologize.”
Karp continued, “The dude has been through a ton, all in front of the world since he was a kid—and he’s been doing interesting stuff his whole life. I was the idiot incapable of applauding earnestness. I got to say I was sorry today (yes, I see the irony). He accepted and admitted how hurt he was by my joke. We thanked each other, knowing that the stupid prank helped us both grow to what we are today. He said it was all worth it for this particular moment today, and I agree.”
No doubt many would still agree with Karp’s original assessment of LaBeouf’s work, and it should be said that talent and pure intentions don’t preclude an artist from being the subject of parody or criticism. But, hey, it’s still never a bad thing to acknowledge that others have feelings and it’s healthy to try and reconcile with those feelings when you have the chance.
LaBeouf, meanwhile, has suffered his share of bad headlines beyond his performance art. He’s been accused repeatedly of plagiarism and of plagiarizing his apologies for that plagiarism. He got into a troubling public fight with his then-girlfriend Mia Goth. He apologized for saying racist stuff to some cops who were arresting him. In the past couple years, though, he’s made efforts to improve his public image and remind people of his genuine talents as an actor—he’s wonderful in the upcoming The Peanut Butter Falcon, for example. LaBeouf has said that working on that film and bonding with co-star Zack Gottsagen helped him climb out of a particularly dark period in his life.
Listen to the full interview below.
12 Comments
Bashful abouttheBeef
If he felt he had to apologize, then he had to apologize. Beyond that, this was near “outsider art” that in the hands of anyone else would not have risen to this level. The fame was more or less an integral part of the piece. Something this… “other”… is going to get a sharp reaction when given that level of exposure and the artist should be expecting said blowback/weirdness.In a way, Karp elevated the original piece by parodying it in real time. Art provokes reaction, and spending the time and money to corral a celebrity, rent the space next door and then go through with the parody project? That’s a hell of a reaction.
Shia Labeouf’s publicist would like to remind you that Shia Labeouf is, in fact, extant.
Well, it’s also not like Shia LaBoeuf can’t have a sense of humour about himself as the end of this went on to show.
Aww man, I wish I heard this. I listen to Kroq on the way to work but they must have had him on later in the morning. I see the podcast so I might listen to that.
Ever since moving out of CA I’ve been downloading the podcasts. For a few reasons, it’s better than listening live, but some of the musical performances they have get cut short.
Wow, what a convergence of shit things. Kevin and Bean, LeBeef and Karp.
And then there’s you, doing what you do best. This is the life- Wendy and Lisa
That’s Texas Ranger LaBeef to you!
I’m surprised that Kevin and Bean are still relevant enough to be on the air. KROQ is barely a shadow of what they used to be. The corporate-driven play list is just too awful to stomach and the same exact play list exists on at least 2 other LA radio stations. They never should have left that basement in Pasadena.
I thnk I’ve only seen Labeouf in the film version of “Constantine”. I prefer the tv version played by Reggie Ledoux.
I only know Karp through his (really entertaining) memoir and had no idea he was on the radio, but why’d you feel the need to include all of mr the beef’s foibles as a tack-on to this article? That seems pretty unnecessary to close this piece about one guy’s mea culpa to the guy who was bothered by it.