Actor Shia LaBeouf received a sentence of probation after pleading guilty to assaulting three individuals outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras festivities. LaBeouf is required to attend an alcohol treatment program per the decision made by an Orleans Parish judge.
Known for his roles in films like “Transformers” and “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,” LaBeouf was initially released on bail following the incident near New Orleans’ French Quarter. Video from February 17 shows LaBeouf in a physical altercation, where he shoved one person to the ground and struck another, possibly dislocating the victim’s nose, according to a police report.
Authorities reported that LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during the encounter and while being arrested. He pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery. Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard sentenced him to six months of a suspended sentence and two years of probation. He is also ordered to avoid contact with the victims and the bar.
LaBeouf’s attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, stated that the actor wanted to take responsibility for his role in the incident, referring to it as a “minor Mardi Gras bar tussle.” She emphasized no evidence supported claims of bias or prejudice.
The District Attorney, Jason Williams, assured that his office consulted with the victims before proposing the plea deal. Jeffrey Damnit, identified as Jeffrey Klein, was one of the individuals attacked by LaBeouf. Damnit alleges that LaBeouf initially pushed him from behind and used homophobic language and threats.
Damnit’s attorney, Michael Kennedy, expressed hope for LaBeouf’s improvement following substance abuse treatment, stressing equal treatment and safety in New Orleans regardless of fame.
LaBeouf faced charges in February and was ordered by a judge to return to rehabilitation. In a conversation with journalist Andrew Callaghan, he denied having a drinking issue but acknowledged anger and ego as factors in his behavior during Mardi Gras.
LaBeouf shared with Callaghan that he experiences fear when in proximity to gay individuals, remarking, “If that’s homophobic, then I’m that.” He converted to Catholicism a few years back.
Throughout his career, LaBeouf has had several legal encounters. In 2017, he was arrested in New York City for assault during a livestream. Later in Georgia, he faced public drunkenness and disorderly conduct charges.
In Los Angeles in 2020, LaBeouf was charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft. That same year, FKA Twigs, legally Tahliah Barnett, filed a lawsuit against him for alleged abuse during their relationship, a matter settled in July.
LaBeouf began his acting career as a child on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.”