AceShowbiz - Shia LaBeouf's now-closed theater school, the Slauson Recreational Center Theater School, is at the heart of a revealing documentary titled "Slauson Rec". The film, directed by Leo Lewis O'Neil, a former student of the school, aims to shine a light on the alleged physical abuse LaBeouf directed towards his students.

Vanity Fair caught up with O'Neil, who began documenting the complexities of the experience after LaBeouf encouraged him to film "everything that took place" in the acting classes.

The Slauson Recreational Center Theater School, launched by LaBeouf in fall 2018 in Los Angeles, abruptly shut its doors in November 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Vanity Fair, during these final months, LaBeouf's behavior escalated to "dark" outbursts and violent actions. Described in a film synopsis as evolving from an open workshop into grueling daily rehearsals, the environment reportedly pushed participants to their emotional and physical limits.

O'Neil, who captured around 800 hours of footage, documented numerous instances of LaBeouf engaging in physical altercations with students.

One particularly harrowing incident involved a student named Zeke, who, after being accused of having an "attitude problem," was shoved against a wall by LaBeouf. This altercation, along with Zeke's subsequent revelations of scratches and bruises, is previewed in a teaser clip on the Vanity Fair website.

Despite the controversy, LaBeouf has expressed his support for the documentary. In a statement to Vanity Fair, he said, "I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit."

LaBeouf added, "While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved."

The documentary also calls to mind LaBeouf's history of accusations regarding professional misconduct and physical abuse. Most notably, in 2020, former girlfriend FKA Twigs filed a lawsuit against him, citing abuse during their relationship.

Subsequently, actress and director Olivia Wilde removed LaBeouf from her project "Don't Worry Darling" due to his perceived need for a "combative energy" on set, though LaBeouf claimed he left the project over rehearsal constraints.

As "Slauson Rec" seeks distribution, it promises to offer a raw and unfiltered look into the chaotic and at times abusive nature of LaBeouf's mentorship. It stands as a provocative exploration of what happens when the pursuit of artistic excellence crosses into damaging extremities.