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HOLLYWOOD — Shia LaBeouf has announced his retirement over Twitter. It's still unknown if the 27-year-old actor means it, but it certainly adds to the controversy he's been in the middle of as of late.
LaBeouf recently released a short film titled, "HowardCantour.com." LaBeouf was accused of plagiarism for the short film citing it was stolen from a work by Daniel Clowes.
LaBeouf apologized for the film and explained that he is a fan of Clowes and neglected to give proper credit. He then tweeted the following: "Copying isn't particularly creative work. Being inspired by someone else's idea to produce something new and different IS creative work."
It wasn't long after that was posted that a Yahoo! Answers post from four years ago resurfaced.
"Merely copying isn't particularly creative work, though it's useful as training and practice. Being inspired by someone else's idea to produce something new and different IS creative work, and it may even revolutionize (sic) the "stolen" concept."
When that Yahoo! Answers popped back up LaBeouf was accused of plagiarizing in his apology about plagiarizing.
Yes, confusing.
On January 10, LaBeouf tweeted the following: "In light of the recent attacks against my artistic integrity, I am retiring from all public life."
That was followed by this tweet, "My love goes out to those who have supported me."
This isn't the first time the "Transformers" star has been in the middle of controversy, but announcing retirement at the age of 27 is a surprise. It would be a bit shocking if he really is throwing in the towel, but anything is possible.
The other possibility is that LaBeouf is playing an elaborate hoax, much like Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck did for the film, "I'm Still Here."
Phoenix announced his retirement from acting and portrayed bizarre behavior for more than a year. Finally the film "I'm Still Here" was released starring Phoenix and it brought to light the fact that the retirement and odd persona was all a ruse for the film. Phoenix's brother-in-law Casey Affleck directed the film.
It's possible all of this is an elaborate prank put on by LaBeouf, which we wouldn't put past him, but it also seems like a lot of work.
Regardless of the actual circumstances as of now it would appear that LaBeouf has called it quits.
