Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans following an alleged altercation during Mardi Gras celebrations, adding another chapter to the actor’s long and highly publicized history of legal troubles. The 39-year-old actor is facing two counts of simple battery and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon, according to law enforcement sources who confirmed the details to PEOPLE.
The incident reportedly took place shortly after midnight in the city’s famed French Quarter, an area known for its vibrant nightlife and especially lively atmosphere during Mardi Gras. Authorities say LaBeouf was involved in a late-night altercation outside a bar. While the precise details of what led to the confrontation remain unclear, the situation escalated to the point where police were called and the actor was subsequently taken into custody.
Video footage obtained by TMZ appears to show LaBeouf shirtless and receiving medical attention from paramedics after the alleged scuffle. In the clip, emergency responders can be seen treating him at the scene, though it has not been publicly confirmed what injuries, if any, he sustained. It is also not yet known whether anyone else involved in the incident required medical treatment or filed additional complaints.
LaBeouf had reportedly been in New Orleans since Thursday to take part in Mardi Gras festivities. The annual celebration draws thousands of visitors to the city each year with its parades, music, and parties that often last late into the night. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor had been spending several days in the city prior to the arrest.
The latest incident comes as LaBeouf has, in recent years, spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse and his commitment to sobriety. He has discussed seeking treatment and attempting to rebuild both his personal life and professional reputation after a series of past controversies. His arrest during Mardi Gras, however, has once again brought public attention to his legal history.
In December 2020, musician FKA Twigs filed a lawsuit against LaBeouf, alleging sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit generated significant media coverage and renewed scrutiny of the actor’s past behavior. LaBeouf denied the allegations at the time. The case was ultimately settled in July 2025, bringing the legal dispute to a close, though it remained a defining moment in his recent public narrative.
Prior to that, LaBeouf encountered legal trouble in 2017 when he was arrested in Georgia on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Following that arrest, he was ordered to attend court-mandated treatment. Over the years, he has faced several other run-ins with the law, contributing to a reputation for volatility that has often overshadowed his acting career.
Despite his personal challenges, LaBeouf has continued to work in film and remains known for his performances in major projects, including the Transformers franchise. His career has been marked by both critical acclaim and controversy, with periods of professional success often accompanied by personal setbacks.
On the personal front, LaBeouf shares a daughter with actress Mia Goth. The two have had an on-and-off relationship since 2012, and their partnership has frequently attracted media attention. In recent years, they have reportedly focused on co-parenting their child while navigating the complexities of their relationship.
As of now, LaBeouf is expected to appear in court Tuesday afternoon to address the two counts of simple battery stemming from the alleged altercation in New Orleans. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of the incident, and it remains unclear whether additional information will emerge during the court proceedings.
The arrest underscores the continued scrutiny surrounding LaBeouf’s personal conduct and legal standing. While he has previously expressed a desire to move forward and maintain sobriety, this latest development once again places him at the center of a high-profile legal matter. The outcome of his upcoming court appearance may determine the next steps in both his legal situation and the ongoing public conversation about his past and present behavior.
