New York City – Mario Licato, an art director from Brooklyn assured to be punched in the face due to his resemblance to Shia LaBeouf, on Saturday morning. A man allegedly hit the 26-year-old as he walked down a New York’s subway stairs, and expressed that his motive was just the resemblance to the actor. Implying that the man who punched Licato isn’t a fan of LaBeouf’s work.
Licato commented that at first he couldn’t believe what just had happened. And he wondered a possible reason for the punch or the strange words coming out of the man’s mouth. Nevertheless, a couple who witnessed the attack confirmed Licato that his attacker punched him because of his resemblance with the actor, as reported by People Magazine.
“I just saw a fist coming at my face,” Licato said. “And the next thing I know I was, like, falling down the stairs and all I heard was, ‘That is because you look exactly like Shia LaBeouf,’” he added.
The couple who witnessed the incident described the attacker as a six-foot or six-foot-three, muscular ‘white frat boy’. Both witnesses also helped him to get back up after the punch and waited alongside him while expecting the police officers to get to the scene.
The Shia-lookalike later posted a photo on Instagram showing his injuries and offering his gratitude to the random guy who punched him, for boosting his self esteem because Shia LaBeouf is “hot”. If the police ever find the attacker, Licato said that he would like to ask him why did he do that and what was the possible reason for his hate for the actor.
Another altercation for Licato
In addition, there was another incident that bothered Licato as well and it was when the EMT officials arrived. The first reaction to the altercation was a comment from the officers that said “Welcome to New York, buddy,” as reported by the Huffington Post. As comical as it may seem, Licato didn’t find the officer’s comment to be pleasing or hilarious. But considering how high Licato took a punch to the face for no valid reason, the reaction to the officer’s comment could’ve been somewhat uncalled for.
Licato was offended by the police reaction towards a person who’s face was bleeding out. In addition the fact that he was born and raised in New York made him angry because he’s already familiarized with the environment. Still, the comment from the officer could’ve also been the droplet that spilled the glass for Licato at the moment. And given he couldn’t approach the man that hit him, he couldn’t take on anybody to express himself and therefore used the officer’s comment as an outlet.
Source: People