Chaotic Mardi Gras Night Ends With Arrest
Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf, 39, was taken into custody in New Orleans in the early hours of Mardi Gras after police say he violently confronted patrons during the city’s famed celebrations. According to authorities, officers were called to a Royal Street bar following reports of an “increasingly aggressive” LaBeouf causing a disturbance and allegedly striking two men outside the establishment.
New Orleans Police charged the Transformers and Indiana Jones star with two counts of simple battery after the alleged altercation. Bystanders reportedly intervened and restrained LaBeouf until law enforcement arrived, and he was later taken to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before his arrest.
Allegations of Homophobic Slurs and Targeted Attacks
Police reports and victim statements indicate LaBeouf not only punched several people but also repeatedly used homophobic slurs during the incident, prompting one of the alleged victims to call for hate crime charges under Louisiana law.
One man, a local entertainer, said LaBeouf’s aggression escalated after being asked to leave and believed his appearance may have triggered the actor’s behavior. Video footage circulated online allegedly shows LaBeouf shoving individuals and continuing to hurl slurs even as officers detained him.
Despite the severity of the accusations, a magistrate judge ordered LaBeouf’s release without bond, a decision criticized by advocates who want prosecutors to explore enhanced penalties given the alleged bias component of the encounter.
Add to a History of Legal Scrutiny
This arrest adds to a series of troubling public incidents involving LaBeouf, who has previously faced disorderly conduct and battery-related legal issues. In 2020, he was also the subject of a high-profile lawsuit alleging abuse, which was settled out of court. LaBeouf’s team has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
The actor is scheduled to appear in court in March to address the battery charges stemming from this Mardi Gras incident.
