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Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday morning following an alleged altercation during Mardi Gras festivities in the city's French Quarter. The 39-year-old star faces two counts of simple battery and is scheduled to appear in court later in the day, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident reportedly occurred just after midnight outside a bar, where LaBeouf was accused of causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive.
According to a statement from the New Orleans Police Department, staff attempted to eject him from the establishment. Once outside, one victim reported being struck "several times with closed fists to the upper body." The statement further noted that LaBeouf returned to the bar "acting even more aggressive" and allegedly assaulted another individual, punching him in the nose.
Witnesses told TMZ that LaBeouf was escorted out before the fight broke out, and video footage obtained by the outlet shows the shirtless actor receiving medical treatment from paramedics. He was later placed in an ambulance before being taken to a hospital for evaluation. Police arrested him upon his release.
LaBeouf had been spotted at several French Quarter bars over the weekend, with reports describing his behavior as erratic. At one establishment, he allegedly attempted to "be a celebrity bartender" before being asked to leave. Robert Skuse, a doorman at Ms Mae's, recalled the actor arriving without a shirt or cash and said he performed the "do you know who I am?" routine when denied entry. Another bartender described him as "terrorizing the city."
The arrest adds to LaBeouf's long history of public incidents and legal troubles. In 2017, he was arrested in Georgia for public intoxication and disorderly conduct, later entering court-mandated rehab. In December 2020, musician FKA Twigs filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual battery and assault. Though LaBeouf denied the allegations, he admitted in a statement, "I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years." The case was settled in 2025.
LaBeouf has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and sobriety. In a 2022 interview, he credited his former partner FKA Twigs with "saving [his] life" during a period of crisis. He also praised fellow actors Mel Gibson, Sean Penn, and James Brolin for supporting his recovery, saying they "got around and kept him alive."
The actor, who shares a daughter with actress Mia Goth, has had an on-and-off relationship with her since 2012. Despite past efforts to maintain sobriety, LaBeouf's latest arrest shows ongoing challenges as he navigates both personal and professional turmoil.
