LOS ANGELES — Former Disney Channel star Christy Carlson Romano has ignited controversy after suggesting that her Even Stevens co-star Shia LaBeouf does not deserve to be considered a Disney legend.
The Deleted Post
Romano, best known for Kim Possible and Cadet Kelly, posted on X that “Shia doesn’t deserve to be on the Rushmore,” referring to a fictional Disney Channel Mount Rushmore. She added that she would explain her reasoning in a Substack article. The post was quickly deleted, but screenshots circulated widely, sparking heated debate among fans.
Raven-Symoné’s Mount Rushmore
The conversation began when Raven-Symoné named her picks for Disney Channel’s Mount Rushmore: herself, Hilary Duff, Lee Thompson Young, and Shia LaBeouf. While some agreed, others questioned the omission of stars like Miley Cyrus. Romano’s response directly challenged LaBeouf’s place on the list.
Fan Reactions
Fans were divided. Some defended LaBeouf, citing his breakout role in Tru Confessions and his rise from a difficult childhood to stardom. Others agreed with Romano, pointing to LaBeouf’s troubled past. “Everybody on the outside looking in but those on the inside have had plenty to say about his character,” one commenter wrote.
LaBeouf’s Legal Troubles
LaBeouf’s career has been overshadowed by legal issues. In February 2026, he was arrested in New Orleans after allegedly assaulting two people during Mardi Gras. He previously faced a lawsuit from ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs in 2020, which was settled in 2025. In a recent interview, LaBeouf admitted he struggles with anger and ego but dismissed rehab as a solution.
Romano’s History With LaBeouf
Romano has previously spoken about her strained relationship with LaBeouf. In a 2021 YouTube video, she admitted they were not close despite playing siblings on Even Stevens. She recalled feeling hurt when LaBeouf won an Emmy and did not thank her, saying, “It was his show. And I was just around because I was a girl.”
The Ongoing Debate
Romano’s latest comments have reignited discussion about LaBeouf’s legacy. While his Disney Channel work remains iconic, his personal controversies continue to complicate his reputation. Whether he belongs on Disney’s symbolic Mount Rushmore remains a divisive question among fans.
