Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested twice in connection with a drunken brawl during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans' French Quarter. The incidents occurred on February 17 and led to multiple battery charges against the 39-year-old actor. A judge ordered him to undergo substance abuse treatment and weekly drug testing, citing concerns over his alcohol addiction.
Key Takeaways
Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested twice following a drunken brawl in New Orleans' French Quarter during Mardi Gras. He faces multiple battery charges and has been ordered to undergo substance abuse treatment and weekly drug testing by a judge, who cited concerns over his alcohol addiction. LaBeouf admitted responsibility for the altercation but expressed reluctance towards rehab, attributing his behavior to anger and ego issues rather than a drinking problem.
The initial altercation took place outside a bar on Royal Street in the French Quarter. According to police reports, LaBeouf was causing a disturbance at a business when staff attempted to remove him from the premises. He allegedly used closed fists to assault one of the victims several times. After leaving and returning more aggressively, he continued assaulting the same victim and punched another man in the nose.
LaBeouf was taken to a hospital for treatment of unknown injuries before being arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery. He posted $100,000 bond and was released from jail shortly after his first arrest on February 17. A warrant for his second arrest was issued by the New Orleans Police Department on Friday, March 3, in connection with an additional victim from the same fight.
In a rambling interview with Andrew Callaghan of Channel 5 News, LaBeouf took responsibility for the altercation but expressed reluctance towards seeking treatment. He denied having a drinking problem and instead attributed his behavior to anger and ego issues, which he described as a 'small man complex.' The actor also made controversial remarks about feeling scared by 'big gay people,' later apologizing for his homophobic comments.
During the court hearing on February 26, Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine ordered LaBeouf to return to drug and alcohol rehabilitation. She described him as a threat to the safety of New Orleans and its LGBTQ+ community, stating that he does not take his alcohol addiction seriously. LaBeouf's attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, argued that 'being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime.'
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