Actor Shia LaBeouf received probation after admitting to assaulting three individuals outside a bar in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. LaBeouf was ordered to undergo an alcohol treatment program as part of the sentence imposed by an Orleans Parish judge. Known for his roles in “Transformers” and “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,” LaBeouf was released on bail following his arrest near the French Quarter.
Security footage from the incident on February 17 captured LaBeouf, shirtless, pushing one person to the ground and striking another in the face, potentially causing a dislocated nose. The New Orleans police report indicated that LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during the altercation and even upon his arrest. The actor pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery.
Judge Juana Marine-Lombard of Orleans Parish handed LaBeouf a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. Additionally, LaBeouf is required to stay away from the victims and the bar. His attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, stated that LaBeouf accepted responsibility for his actions, referring to the incident as a “minor Mardi Gras bar altercation” with no evidence of bias or prejudice.
Orleans Parish district attorney Jason Williams mentioned that his office consulted with the victims before offering LaBeouf the plea deal. One of the individuals attacked by LaBeouf, identified as Jeffrey Damnit, reported being pushed and verbally assaulted with homophobic remarks. Damnit’s attorney expressed hope for a positive change in LaBeouf’s behavior post-substance abuse treatment.
Following his arrest, LaBeouf was ordered to attend drug and alcohol rehabilitation. In an interview, he denied having a drinking problem and attributed his aggressive behavior to anger and ego rather than alcohol. LaBeouf also made controversial remarks about his discomfort around gay individuals. The actor, who converted to Catholicism, has a history of legal issues, including arrests for assault, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction.
In 2020, LaBeouf faced charges of battery and theft in Los Angeles. Additionally, he settled a lawsuit with singer FKA Twigs, accusing him of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship. LaBeouf rose to fame as a child actor on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.”