A public incident during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans has led to actor Shia LaBeouf facing battery charges. Police reports indicate that LaBeouf was involved in altercations with patrons at a bar, during which he allegedly used homophobic slurs and physically assaulted individuals.

The events unfolded early Tuesday morning at R Bar in New Orleans. Reports suggest LaBeouf, who appeared heavily inebriated, became aggressive after being asked to leave the establishment. The situation escalated when LaBeouf allegedly punched individuals attempting to eject him and others who intervened.

Details of the Incident
According to police reports and witness accounts, the primary events occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.

Initial Confrontation: LaBeouf was reportedly at R Bar when an altercation began. A bar manager attempted to remove him from the premises.
Physical Assaults: During the removal process and subsequently, LaBeouf is accused of punching at least two men. One victim reported being hit multiple times in the upper body. Another individual sustained a dislocated nose.
Alleged Use of Slurs: Critically, police reports allege that LaBeouf repeatedly used homophobic slurs during the assaults. One victim stated that LaBeouf used the slur "f**t" multiple times. This victim also claims LaBeouf pushed him earlier in the night and threatened his life. The same victim, who was wearing eye makeup and lipstick, believes his appearance may have motivated the attack.
Continued Aggression: After being briefly removed from the bar, LaBeouf allegedly returned and became even more aggressive. Bystander videos show LaBeouf on the ground, shirtless, being subdued by several men until officials arrived.
Police Response: Responding officers were called to the scene due to reports of aggressive behavior. LaBeouf was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of simple battery.
Legal Proceedings and Actor's Representation
Shia LaBeouf's next court hearing in New Orleans is tentatively scheduled for March 19th.
Representatives for Shia LaBeouf have been contacted for comment by NBC News.
Contested Accounts and Victim Impact
While police reports form the basis of the charges, individual accounts highlight specific details and alleged motivations.
One victim explicitly stated that LaBeouf’s use of homophobic slurs was directed at him, motivated, he believes, by his appearance.
Another account suggests LaBeouf threatened to kill a victim, in addition to the physical assault.
One report also mentions that LaBeouf’s actions were seen as a humiliation to the acting profession, regardless of the case's outcome.
Evidence and Statements
New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Reports: These documents detail the alleged assaults and the use of homophobic slurs.
Victim Testimonies: Multiple individuals who were present or directly involved provided statements to the police, corroborating the physical assaults and the alleged use of slurs.
Bystander Video: Footage from the scene shows LaBeouf on the ground, shirtless, being held down by multiple individuals.
Expert Analysis
"Allegations of hate speech combined with physical assault are serious. The legal process will need to carefully consider the evidence presented by law enforcement and any statements from the accused or witnesses." - Unnamed legal analyst observing similar cases.
Conclusion
The arrest of Shia LaBeouf in New Orleans stems from allegations of assault and the use of homophobic slurs during a Mardi Gras incident. Police reports detail a sequence of events involving physical altercations at R Bar. Charges have been filed, and the case is proceeding through the New Orleans criminal court system. The full implications of these charges and any potential resolutions remain pending.
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Sources Used:
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/18/shia-labeouf-arrest-new-orleans
Context: Reports on LaBeouf's alleged threats and assault at R Bar, noting his apparent intoxication and a pending court date.
NOLA.com: https://www.nola.com/news/crimepolice/shia-labeouf-new-orleans-arrest/articlecbfb1923-4a7e-4cd6-987b-bf9ad54d60d6.html
Context: Details the NOPD report, including specific use of a homophobic slur ("f**t") and assaults resulting in a dislocated nose.
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/shia-labeouf-new-orleans-fka-twigs-police-mia-goth-b2923943.html
Context: Focuses on the police's statement about LaBeouf using homophobic slurs while assaulting patrons and facing battery charges. Mentions a victim's belief that his appearance was a motive.
Sky News: https://news.sky.com/story/actor-shia-labeouf-arrested-after-allegedly-assaulting-two-men-police-say-13508626
Context: Reports on LaBeouf's arrest for allegedly assaulting two men and punching another man on the nose, citing police statements.
Los Angeles Times: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2026-02-17/shia-labeouf-arrested-new-orleans-mardi-gras-brawl
Context: Covers LaBeouf's arrest for allegedly assaulting two men during Mardi Gras and shows bystander video of the actor being subdued.