Ayers himself seemed to respond, but his response did not stop the debate. He said he “grew up with a hood,” although he is white because Chicano culture is inclusive. Still, his comments sparked a conversation about whether a Latino actor should have been chosen in place of LaBeouf. There was also talk about whether LaBeouf is, in fact, the leader.
In the trailer, LaBeouf is the most prominent actor and plays the character mentioned in the movie title, but actor Bobby Soto, who is Latino, is often alongside him and also appears on the movie poster.
Really important answer: Shia is playing a white boy who grew up in the neighborhood. This is a Jewish guy who plays a white character. Also the only white guy in the movie htt️ https://t.co/PS6foJwQXV
– David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) July 1, 2020
I grew up hoodie and I’m a white boy. Chicano culture is inclusive: I have seen whites, Asians, blacks, Filipinos, all working for the neighborhood. It is part of the street culture. https://t.co/PS6foJwQXV
– David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) July 1, 2020
That did not stop the criticism.
Oh, hey, another movie featuring Latinos and blacks in the glorified steroid gang culture that reinforces stereotypes and white fears and promotes the police mentality that “it’s a battleground.” Sigh … Hollywood, come on. We don’t need this right now. https://t.co/NDk83cql0c
– Memo Torres (@el_tragon_de_LA) July 2, 2020
What is this! Why is Shia Labeouf imitating a “cholo” accent? Why did the white director say he studied a real-life cholo for approval? STOP MAKING FILMS WHERE LATINOS ARE ALWAYS A DRUG DEALER OR GANGTERS! We are more than that! https://t.co/lRdJO2URXb
– Ruben? (@rbnfranco) July 2, 2020
Yahoo Entertainment has reached out to Ayer and LaBeouf for comment.
