Actor Shia LaBeouf has been placed on probation after admitting to assaulting three individuals outside a bar in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. LaBeouf is required to participate in an alcohol treatment program as part of the judgment issued by an Orleans Parish judge. Following his arrest near the French Quarter, LaBeouf, recognized for his roles in movies like “Transformers” and “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,” was released on bail.
Video footage of the incident on February 17 captures LaBeouf outside the bar, pushing one person to the ground and striking another individual in the face, potentially causing a dislocated nose, as per a New Orleans police report. Authorities mentioned LaBeouf using derogatory language, including homophobic slurs, during the altercation and his subsequent arrest.
Having pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery, LaBeouf was given a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation by Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard. The actor is also required to maintain a distance from the victims and the bar. LaBeouf’s attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, expressed his willingness to take responsibility for his actions, referring to the incident as a “minor Mardi Gras bar tussle” with no indication of bias.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams confirmed that the victims supported the plea deal offered to LaBeouf after consultation. Local entertainer Jeffrey Damnit, also known as Jeffrey Klein, identified himself as one of the assaulted individuals by LaBeouf. Damnit’s attorney expressed hope for improvement in LaBeouf’s behavior post substance abuse treatment, emphasizing equality and safety for all individuals in New Orleans.
This incident adds to LaBeouf’s history of legal troubles, including a 2017 New York City arrest for assault and a Georgia arrest for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct while filming “The Peanut Butter Falcon.” In 2020, he faced charges of battery and theft in Los Angeles. Additionally, a lawsuit by singer FKA Twigs accused LaBeouf of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, which was settled in July. LaBeouf, initially recognized for his role in the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens,” has encountered multiple legal issues throughout his career.