James Franco defends Shia LaBeouf's bizarre behavior in New York Times Op-Ed

Shia LaBeouf has been acting pretty bizarre over the last few months, including a strange plagiarism controversy with graphic novelist Daniel Clowes, even more plagiarism on his Twitter account, and then sobbing in front of strangers in an "art exhibit." Needless to say, people are a bit turned off and confused by his actions. Fortunately for LaBeouf, he does have one big Hollywood actor in his corner: fellow "artist" James Franco.

 In a new Op-Ed piece featured in the New York Times entitled "Why Actors Act Out," Franco comes to the defense of the 27-year-old Nymphomaniac star.

"Though the wisdom of some of his actions may seem questionable, as an actor and artist I'm inclined to take an empathetic view of his conduct," Franco states. He goes on to question whether LaBeouf's actions were "clever or pathological" in regards to the Clowes plagiarism and Twitter apology controversy, backing up his integrity as a performer and artist.

"This behavior could be a sign of many things, from a nervous breakdown to mere youthful recklessness," Franco said. "For Mr. LaBeouf's sake I hope it is nothing serious. Indeed I hope - and, yes, I know that this idea has pretentious or just plain ridiculous overtones - that his actions are intended as a piece of performance art, one in which a young man in a very public profession tries to reclaim his public persona."

Do you agree with Franco's statements about Shia LaBeouf or are you still a bit freaked out by the Transformers star's behavior? Check out some other excerpts from Franco's article HERE.