Michael Bay Says He Recently Reconnected With Shia LaBeouf

“Transformers” director Michael Bay said he recently caught up with actor Shia LaBeouf, describing their conversation as a touching moment involving LaBeouf’s young daughter.

Bay told TMZ that he had not spoken with LaBeouf for about six months when the actor called him. During the conversation, LaBeouf said he had taken his 4-year-old daughter, Isabel, to the “Transformers” ride at Universal.

“He said he went on the Transformers Universal ride with his daughter,” Bay said. “And he goes, ‘I finally saw our movies through my daughter’s eyes.’ And he said, ‘I cried.’”

The conversation came months after LaBeouf faced legal trouble in New Orleans. He was arrested twice within two weeks, including in connection with a Feb. 17 altercation outside a bar. He was charged with three misdemeanor counts of simple battery and pleaded guilty in June.

LaBeouf received a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. He was also ordered to undergo rehabilitation for alcohol abuse, sensitivity training and anger management classes, according to The Guardian.

Bay said he has not been closely following LaBeouf’s situation but spoke positively about their years working together on the “Transformers” films. LaBeouf played Sam Witwicky in the franchise’s first three movies.

“He’s a great guy and, you know, he’s a great actor,” Bay said. “I had an amazing time working with him, and I think he’s a very good person.”

Other Hollywood figures have also commented on LaBeouf’s struggles. Bryan Cranston, who has never worked with the actor, previously offered him direct advice: “Shia, get some help.”