Shia LeBeouf describes himself as part of 'the underclass' as he discusses his upbringing

The actor describes his experience of growing up in Southern California

(2016 Getty Images)

Shia LaBeouf has said that he was “part of the underclass” in America and spoken forthrightly about his experience of growing up in small town America.

During a Cannes press conference, the 29-year-old actor, performance artist and director explained that his father worked in Bakersfield in California.

“In Bakersville, where my father lived for a time, the only thing there is a prison. So everyone works in the prison,” LeBeouf said according to reports in The Guardian.

“I’m part of that underclass. That’s where I come from, so I know about it,” LeBeouf added.

LaBeouf was born in Los Angeles in 1986 and has spoken about his childhood a number of times in the past. His father is a Vietnam War veteran and his mother is a dancer and ballerina turned visual artist and clothing jewelry designer. LeBeouf has said that his father was on drugs during his childhood and was placed in drug rehabilitation for heroin addiction.

A representative for LaBeouf did not immediately respond to request for comment.