UMVA has learned that Shia LaBeouf, the 39-year-old actor known for his roles in Even Stevens and Transformers, has been charged with three misdemeanor counts of simple battery after a violent altercation at a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras in February.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of February 17, when LaBeouf, reportedly inebriated and shirtless, arrived at a bar in the city's French Quarter without any cash. Witnesses claim he became aggressive, asking staff "Do you know who I am?" and later got into a brawl with other patrons.
According to information obtained by UMVA, LaBeouf was accused of using a homophobic slur during the altercation, which was caught on video. Despite this, prosecutors have chosen not to pursue hate-crime charges, sparking controversy and debate.
LaBeouf was arrested and required to post a $105,000 bond, a sum equivalent to approximately £78,000. The Orleans Parish District Attorney's office has now filed charges against the actor, with his attorney, Michael Kennedy, stating that "being a celebrity does not buy you special treatment in New Orleans."
Witnesses described LaBeouf as "terrorising the city," with one eyewitness telling a local publication that he was escorted out of the bar by staff before getting into a brawl. LaBeouf was later seen receiving medical attention from emergency service workers before being loaded into a parked ambulance.
As part of his release, LaBeouf agreed to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing and check into a rehabilitation facility. In an interview 11 days after the arrest, LaBeouf claimed he was "scared" by a group of men who he said were gay and approached him during the Shrove Tuesday event.
LaBeouf acknowledged using words that were "not okay to say" and expressed remorse, stating "I don't want to hurt nobody's feelings… I'm wrong for what I did." However, his comments have sparked further controversy, with some labeling them as homophobic.
The case has sparked a heated debate about celebrity accountability and the consequences of LaBeouf's actions. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Shia LaBeouf's Mardi Gras celebration ended in a very different way than he likely expected.
