Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested early Tuesday following an alleged physical altercation during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, according to court records and multiple reports.
The 39-year-old “Transformers” star is facing two charges of simple battery after an incident that occurred shortly after midnight outside a bar in the city’s French Quarter.
Video obtained by TMZ shows Mr. LaBeouf shirtless on the street with his back tattoo visible, involved in a confrontation with several people. An eyewitness told the outlet that Mr. LaBeouf had been escorted from the bar by staff before the alleged fight broke out. After walking away, he reportedly returned to the front of the establishment, where paramedics treated him at the scene. Footage shows emergency medical workers providing aid before Mr. LaBeouf was placed inside an ambulance. He did not appear to have sustained serious injuries.
The arrest follows a weekend of high-profile Mardi Gras revelry for the actor, who has Louisiana Cajun heritage on his father’s side. Mr. LaBeouf was spotted at the Bacchus parade over the weekend, posing for photos with fans and catching parade throws while wearing beads.
However, reports from earlier in the week painted a concerning picture of Mr. LaBeouf’s behavior during the festivities. The Hollywood Reporter detailed what staff at multiple bars described as an extended bar crawl through New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood that began Thursday. One bartender at Ms. Mae’s, where Mr. LaBeouf showed up shirtless and without cash Sunday night, described him as “inebriated” and “somewhat belligerent.” Another bartender who waited on him days earlier reportedly said, “He is terrorizing the city!”
Mr. LaBeouf has struggled publicly with addiction and mental health issues over the years. He entered court-mandated rehabilitation following a 2017 arrest in Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. The actor has previously linked his substance abuse to untreated childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Last summer, Mr. LaBeouf settled a lawsuit filed by musician FKA Twigs that alleged sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress. The actor, who is married to actress Mia Goth, has sought long-term sobriety support through therapy and structured recovery programs, though his journey has reportedly included setbacks.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of Tuesday’s arrest, and it remains unclear whether Mr. LaBeouf has secured legal representation. Representatives for the actor have not responded to requests for comment.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.