By Tim Molloy
TheWrap
Two publishers say they are weighing plagiarism claims against Shia LaBeouf after he lifted their material for his short film and a comic book.
Melville House publisher Dennis Johnson told Publishers Weekly he is “exploring all legal actions” after Labeouf borrowed heavily from Melville House author Benoit Duteurtre’s novel “The Little Girl and the Cigarette” in the actor’s mini-comic, “Stale N Mate.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Clowes’ publisher, Fantagraphics, told PW that Clowes is “exploring all legal options,” after Labeouf admitted plagiarizing his character Justin M. Damiano for his short film HowardCantour.com, which was shown at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
LaBeouf has not addressed the Duteurtre plagiarism, which was extensively detailed last week in a post by Josh Farkas on RefreshingContent.com.
Laboeuf did say he hopes to work out a deal with Clowes. But in an absurd twist, Labeouf’s tweeted apology for ripping of Clowes was also plagiarized: It was cobbled together form quotes from Kanye West, Robert McNamara, and Tiger Woods.
It doesn’t end there: Another comic by the actor, “Let’s F—ing Party,” steals from poet Charles Bukowski, and when Labeouf exited the play “Orphans,” he explained himself by plagiarizing both David Mamet and Esquire writer Tom Chiarella, Farkas noted.
Say this for LaBeouf: He’s well-read.
Laboeuf’s publicist did not immediately return a call for comment from TheWrap on Friday. An email said her office was closed for the holidays.
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