New Orleans police have taken actor Shia LaBeouf into custody following a physical confrontation during the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the 39-year-old performer was charged with two counts of simple battery. The incident occurred in the early morning hours after reports of aggressive behavior toward staff and members of the public. This event marks a shift in the actor’s recent public image, as he had spent several years discussing his sobriety and personal growth. The arrest has led to questions regarding his current well-being and the legal consequences he may now face in Louisiana, a state where he has deep family roots.
Chronology of the New Orleans Incident
The events leading to the arrest of Shia LaBeouf began late Monday night and continued into the early hours of Tuesday.
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12:45 AM: New Orleans Police (NOPD) received a call regarding an aggressive individual at a local business.
Initial Removal: Reports indicate that a staff member attempted to remove LaBeouf from the premises due to disorderly conduct.
The Physical Confrontation: After being removed, the actor reportedly returned to the area. He is accused of punching a staff member and later hitting a second man on the nose.
The Subduing: Bystander video published by media outlets shows LaBeouf shirtless on the ground. Multiple men are seen holding him down until police arrived.
Medical Treatment: Due to the physical nature of the brawl, LaBeouf was reportedly taken to a hospital before being processed on criminal charges.
Evidence and Legal Documentation
The investigation relies on police statements, court records, and digital evidence collected from the scene.
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| Evidence Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Charges | Two counts of simple battery filed by the NOPD. |
| Court Records | Online records confirm the booking in New Orleans on Feb 17, 2026. |
| Visual Evidence | Bystander video shows LaBeouf being punched while trying to stand up and being pinned to the street. |
| Witness Testimony | Staff members reported that the actor left the scene but returned to continue the aggression. |
“LaBeouf was charged with two counts of simple battery… he reportedly punched one victim several times.” — New Orleans Police Department Statement
The Physical Altercation and Immediate Aftermath
Witness accounts and video evidence suggest a volatile scene. The TMZ footage shows the actor without a shirt, involved in a struggle with several men on a New Orleans street. While police state that LaBeouf initiated the violence by punching a staff member, the video also shows at least one unidentified man punching the actor as he attempted to get to his feet.
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Investigators are looking into why the actor returned to the business after being asked to leave. It remains unclear if the second victim was a bystander or involved in the initial effort to remove him.
Historical Context of Legal Encounters
This arrest is part of a documented history of law enforcement encounters for the actor, which began in his childhood.
Childhood Incidents: At age 9, he was held for stealing shoes; at 11, he was detained for stealing a video game.
2017 Georgia Arrest: He was previously ordered to attend rehab following charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
2020 Civil Suit: Musician FKA twigs filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual battery and emotional distress, which brought significant scrutiny to his personal life.
Recent Stability: Until this week, LaBeouf had been seen participating peacefully in local events, such as a 2025 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Slidell, Louisiana.
Analysis of the Professional Narrative
Critics and industry observers have noted a conflict between LaBeouf's public efforts at redemption and his recent actions. In 2025, he appeared in a documentary titled Slauson Rec, which presented him as a mentor and teacher. However, reviews of the film noted that it captured moments where he appeared to descend into "aggressive behavior" with his students.
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Some observers ask if this latest incident is a sign of a relapse in his sobriety, while others point to his family history in the region—his father is Louisiana Cajun—as a reason for his frequent presence in the area. His representatives have not yet issued a statement to explain his side of the Tuesday morning events.
Expert Perspectives
Media analysts suggest that this incident may complicate his standing in the film industry, particularly following his recent attempts to rebuild his career through performance art and teaching.
Legal Perspective: Simple battery in Louisiana is often handled as a misdemeanor, but back-to-back assaults could result in more stringent sentencing or required counseling.
Public Relations Insight: The lack of an immediate response from his publicists suggests a period of internal assessment as they wait for the full police report.
Community View: Local residents in Slidell had previously seen a "calm and friendly" version of the actor, making this violent incident during Mardi Gras a surprise to those who had interacted with him recently.
Investigation Summary and Next Steps
The NOPD investigation into the two counts of simple battery is ongoing.
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Legal Defense: It is currently unknown who will represent LaBeouf in New Orleans court or if he will argue self-defense based on the video of him being hit while on the ground.
Health Assessment: The results of any medical or toxicology screenings performed at the hospital have not been made public.
Future Hearings: The actor will likely need to appear for an arraignment to enter a plea regarding the two battery charges.
Primary Sources
Associated Press: Report on the NOPD statement regarding the arrest. Link
People Magazine: Details on the two counts of battery and actor's history. Link
LA Times: Coverage of the bystander video and the physical struggle. Link
Variety: Analysis of the Slauson Rec documentary and past rehab orders. Link
Sky News: Specifics on the 12:45 AM police call and victim injuries. Link
NOLA.com: Information on his local family ties and previous sightings in Louisiana. Link
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