Christy Carlson Romano says she and Shia LaBeouf clashed constantly while filming the Disney Channel sitcom "Even Stevens," describing their relationship as "like oil and water."
Romano, who played Ren Stevens on the show, made the comments Tuesday on the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast with host Amanda Hirsch. She was 14 at the time. LaBeouf, who played her younger brother Louis, was 12.
"We were like oil and water," Romano said. She attributed the friction to how differently the two were raised.
"Even Stevens" ran on the Disney Channel from 2000 to 2003 and launched both actors into the spotlight. LaBeouf went on to become a major film star, appearing in the "Transformers" franchise and films including "Holes" and "Fury." Romano built a career in voice acting, most notably as the title character in Disney's animated series "Kim Possible."
The two have not worked together since the show ended more than two decades ago. Romano's comments mark one of the few times she has publicly discussed their on-set dynamic.
LaBeouf's career has been marked by legal and personal controversy in recent years. In 2020, musician FKA Twigs sued him for sexual battery and assault. The case was settled in 2022. LaBeouf has also faced multiple arrests and public outbursts dating back to his early years in Hollywood.
Romano has spoken before about the pressures of child stardom. She has discussed her struggles with mental health and her transition away from acting after "Even Stevens" ended. She now runs a YouTube channel and podcast where she revisits her Disney past.
The podcast episode adds to a growing body of former child stars speaking candidly about their experiences on set. Romano's account suggests the tension between her and LaBeouf was present from the start, driven by personal differences rather than any single incident.
Representatives for LaBeouf did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
