“They became really close and good friends.”

Tyler Nilson’s words are what stood out in my mind on Sunday night as people jumped on Shia LaBeouf on social media for what appeared to be the mocking of his “The Peanut Butter Falcon” co-star, Zack Gottsagen, when they presented an award together.

It was Nilson and co-director/writer Michael Schwartz who told me all about the strong friendship between the two actors during the filming of their indie darling. The topic came up every other question, and couldn’t escape a thought.

In the months since the movie’s opening, LaBeouf has attended every press junket with Gottsagen, “a Down Syndrome person” as his character Zac would say in the film. LaBeouf, who has struggled with substance abuse and been in trouble with the law in recent years, credits Gottsagen for saving his life, helping him get sober.

Sunday, as Gottsagen was having some trouble getting out the nominees’ names and the eventual winner during his part of the presentation, LaBeouf appeared to laugh during the process. Immediately, the WOKE media jumped on the actor, failing to do even a little homework and understand it was light chirping from a best friend instead of a hateful bully. All they had to do was read a little to know LaBeouf was helping his friend and making light of the moment.

Twitter became ablaze. While many have come out in defense of LaBeouf, others still want to think the worse. It’s okay to think the worst; just don’t stick by it when a lot better interpretations are out there. Get a hobby or something instead.

In my opinion, there wasn’t a better movie in 2019 than “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” a film that connected with and melted even the most cynical of hearts. A Huckleberry and Finn type adventure road flick, where two people from opposite sides of the world bind together to help each other find a better life. That’s why film vets like Bruce Dern and Thomas Haden Church jumped in to do the movie without a hitch or big salary. Jon Bernthal came running when LaBeouf asked him. It was a true family affair with this film.

Here’s the real problem. People didn’t refer to Gottsagen by his name, but kept saying “special needs kid.” Thankfully, people like Kelly were there to correct those souls.

It was two friends having fun. Easy to see really.

This is yet another example of people raging just to rage about something. They need someone to roast because the world is just too boring without a celebrity hunt. The most dangerous game these days is being kind, nice, and patient. All things LaBeouf was being on Sunday night.

Know the story. Watch the movie. Get with it. Goodnight.

-@buffa82