Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday, , following allegations of assault during the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations. The actor, 39, is facing two counts of simple battery, according to the New Orleans Police Department.
The incident reportedly unfolded in the 1400 block of Royal Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. Local time. Police were called to the scene after a staff member at a local business reported being punched by LaBeouf, who was allegedly “causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive.”
According to the police statement, after being removed from the building, LaBeouf allegedly struck the staff member multiple times with closed fists. He then briefly left the area before returning and allegedly escalating his behavior. Reports indicate he then struck the same victim a second time, again with closed fists to the upper body, and subsequently assaulted another individual, punching them in the nose.
Bystanders reportedly attempted to restrain LaBeouf until police arrived. He was then taken to a local hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before being formally arrested and charged.
The arrest comes as LaBeouf had been observed frequenting bars in New Orleans’ French Quarter in the days leading up to the incident, reportedly participating in Mardi Gras festivities. Details surrounding his behavior prior to the alleged assaults have been described as ranging from inebriated to erratic, including reports of him appearing without a shirt at one establishment.
LaBeouf rose to prominence as a young actor on the Disney Channel in the early 2000s, starring in series like “Even Stevens.” He transitioned to a successful film career, landing roles in blockbuster franchises such as “Transformers” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” as well as critically acclaimed independent projects. More recently, he appeared in the film “Slauson Rec” and “The Phoenician Scheme,” both of which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in .
The actor’s career has been marked by periods of both critical success and public controversy. In recent years, he has been the subject of allegations of abuse and misconduct, including a highly publicized lawsuit filed by singer FKA Twigs, which was settled in . He has also been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health.
The New Orleans Police Department has not released further details regarding the investigation, and LaBeouf’s representatives have not yet issued a statement. It remains unclear what led to the initial disturbance or the subsequent alleged assaults. The actor is expected to appear in court at a later date.
This incident marks the latest in a series of public encounters with law enforcement for LaBeouf. His history of run-ins with the law, coupled with the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his personal life, raises questions about the challenges faced by actors navigating fame, addiction, and mental health issues. The outcome of this case will likely be closely watched by both the entertainment industry and the public.
Here’s a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
