Shia LaBeouf, the actor known for roles in films such as Honey Boy, was arrested early Tuesday on battery charges in New Orleans, Louisiana. The incident occurred during the city's annual Mardi Gras celebrations, adding a dramatic twist to the festive atmosphere.
Alleged Bar Altercation Leads to Arrest
According to court documents and police reports, officers were called to the Royal Street Inn and Bar in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday. LaBeouf was allegedly becoming increasingly aggressive at the establishment, which is located near the French Quarter, the epicenter of Mardi Gras revelry.
The bar manager attempted to escort LaBeouf out of the premises, but the actor allegedly tried to strike him during the process. After being removed, LaBeouf reportedly returned and punched a male patron who was assisting the manager. He then allegedly punched a second man in the nose, causing chaos at the venue.
Bystanders Intervene and Police Respond
Bystanders held LaBeouf down until police arrived at the scene. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation before being discharged, arrested, and formally charged with two counts of simple battery. LaBeouf is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, coinciding with the climax of New Orleans's weekslong carnival celebration.
Video Evidence and Prior Reports of Unruly Behavior
The celebrity gossip outlet TMZ posted a video purportedly showing LaBeouf shirtless and exchanging words with another individual early Tuesday morning. The footage reportedly depicts the actor being attended to by paramedics, though the exact context remains unclear.
Reports of LaBeouf engaging in disruptive behavior across New Orleans had surfaced for several days prior to the arrest. Robert Skuse, the doorman at Ms Mae's, a local bar, told the Hollywood Reporter that LaBeouf showed up in a "somewhat belligerent state" and attempted to get behind the bar to serve drinks to customers.
"In the middle of the mayhem, he did the 'Do you know who I am?' bit," Skuse recounted, highlighting the actor's confrontational demeanor. LaBeouf was reportedly asked to leave the establishment following this incident.
History of Legal and Personal Struggles
LaBeouf has openly discussed his battles with sobriety in the past, crediting fellow actors Mel Gibson, Sean Penn, and Josh Brolin for their support. He attended court-mandated rehabilitation after a 2017 arrest in Savannah, Georgia, an experience that inspired his semi-autobiographical film, Honey Boy.
In 2020, English singer FKA twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Barnett, sued LaBeouf for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. Barnett alleged a pattern of "relentless" abuse during their relationship from 2018 to 2019, including claims that LaBeouf knowingly exposed her to a sexually transmitted infection, attempted to strangle her, and slammed her against a car.
LaBeouf has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in that case. The parties reached a settlement in July 2025, though details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Representatives Remain Silent
As of the latest reports, LaBeouf's representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the recent arrest in New Orleans. The incident casts a shadow over the actor's public image, which has been marred by previous legal troubles and personal controversies.
This arrest comes just weeks after LaBeouf attended the red carpet for the film "Megalopolis" at the 77th annual Cannes film festival in France on May 16, 2024, showcasing a stark contrast between his professional engagements and personal conduct.
