Shia LaBeouf Faces New Battery Charge in New Orleans Arrest
Actor Shia LaBeouf has been rearrested in New Orleans and charged with an additional count of simple battery, according to court records. The arrest occurred on Saturday, 28 February 2026, adding to legal troubles stemming from a previous incident earlier in the month.
Connection to Mardi Gras Brawl Under Investigation
It remains unclear whether the new charge is linked to a brawl on 17 February outside the Royal Street Inn & R Bar. During that altercation, LaBeouf is accused of using homophobic slurs while assaulting multiple people during Mardi Gras festivities. Police reports and witness accounts detail a violent episode that has drawn significant attention.
In the February incident, video evidence shows a shirtless LaBeouf shoving one individual to the ground and striking another in the face, potentially dislocating their nose. Local entertainer Jeffrey Damnit, identified as Jeffrey Klein in police reports, described being attacked by LaBeouf, who allegedly threw punches and made threats.
Witness Accounts and Police Response
Damnit recounted that LaBeouf "just got nuts" and attempted to provoke fights, shouting homophobic insults and threatening lives. Despite efforts by Damnit and others to subdue him and urge him to leave, LaBeouf reportedly became more aggressive. Police arrived at the bar around 12:45 a.m. on Fat Tuesday and arrested him.
Telephone and email messages left with LaBeouf's attorney and New Orleans police on Saturday were not immediately returned, leaving questions about the specifics of the new charge. LaBeouf has not entered a plea in the case and declined to comment to reporters after a recent court hearing.
Legal Proceedings and Rehabilitation Order
During a hearing on Thursday, a New Orleans judge ordered LaBeouf to return to drug and alcohol rehabilitation. His attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, argued that "being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime," highlighting the ongoing legal and personal challenges facing the actor.
This latest arrest underscores a pattern of behaviour that has led to multiple charges, with authorities continuing to investigate the full scope of the incidents. The case has sparked discussions about celebrity conduct and legal accountability in high-profile settings.
