Actor Shia LaBeouf received probation after admitting to assaulting three individuals outside a bar in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. As part of his sentence from an Orleans Parish judge, LaBeouf must participate in an alcohol treatment program, as stated by his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky. LaBeouf, famous for his roles in “Transformers” (2007) and “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull” (2008), was granted bail following his arrest near the French Quarter.
Video footage of the incident on February 17 captured LaBeouf, shirtless, pushing one person to the ground and striking another, potentially causing a nose dislocation, according to a police report. LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during the altercation and also while being taken into custody. He pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery.
Judge Juana Marine-Lombard of Orleans Parish sentenced LaBeouf to a six-month suspended jail term and two years of probation. Additionally, he is required to maintain distance from the victims and the bar. Chervinsky emphasized that LaBeouf aimed to take responsibility for his actions, describing the incident as a minor scuffle at a Mardi Gras bar and denying any bias or prejudice involvement.
District attorney Jason Williams confirmed that the victims supported the plea deal offered to LaBeouf after consulting with them. One victim, Jeffrey Damnit (also known as Jeffrey Klein), revealed that LaBeouf had pushed him from behind at the bar, hurling homophobic insults and threats.
Following his arrest, a judge mandated LaBeouf to undergo drug and alcohol rehabilitation. LaBeouf later expressed skepticism about rehab helping him during an interview. He attributed his aggressive behavior during Mardi Gras to anger and ego rather than alcohol. LaBeouf’s history includes past legal issues, such as a 2017 arrest in New York and an arrest in Georgia for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction while filming “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”
In 2020, LaBeouf faced charges of battery and petty theft in Los Angeles. That same year, a lawsuit was filed by singer FKA Twigs, alleging physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, which was settled in July. LaBeouf rose to fame as a child actor on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.”