Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested for a second time this month in New Orleans, facing an additional count of simple battery. The new charge appears linked to the same February 17 incident during Mardi Gras celebrations where he allegedly assaulted multiple people. A judge has ordered him to undergo drug testing and substance abuse treatment.
Shia LaBeouf, known for his roles in films like Transformers, was first arrested on February 17 outside the Royal Street Inn & R Bar in New Orleans. Police reports describe a brawl during the city's Fat Tuesday festivities, where a shirtless LaBeouf allegedly shoved one individual to the ground and struck another in the face, potentially dislocating the victim's nose. Witnesses, including local entertainer Jeffrey Damnit—identified as Jeffrey Klein in the police report—recounted LaBeouf using homophobic slurs and threats before the altercation escalated.
"He hit me, he connected a few times with punches, he pushed me a few times," Damnit told The Associated Press. He added that LaBeouf had approached aggressively earlier that night, pushing him from behind and shouting threats. Damnit and others attempted to de-escalate the situation and encourage LaBeouf to leave, but he grew more aggressive, according to the report. Officers arrived around 12:45 a.m. and took him into custody.
On Thursday, before Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Simone Levine, LaBeouf's bond was set at $100,000. The judge mandated drug and alcohol testing, which he underwent in the courthouse, and enrollment in substance abuse treatment. His attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, argued during the hearing, "Frankly, being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime." LaBeouf posted bond and quickly left the area, avoiding reporters.
The following Saturday, court records indicate another arrest on a simple battery charge. While the connection remains unclear, sources informed CBS News affiliate WWL-TV that it relates to an additional victim from the February 17 fight. LaBeouf has not entered a plea. This incident echoes a 2017 arrest in Georgia, where he faced charges of public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction, later apologizing for racist remarks captured on video.
