Shia LaBeouf Sentenced to Probation for Mardi Gras Altercation

Actor Shia LaBeouf received a probation sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting three individuals outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras. As part of the sentence, LaBeouf must participate in an alcohol treatment program. This was declared by his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky.

LaBeouf, known for roles in 2007’s Transformers and 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, was released on bail after his arrest in the city’s French Quarter. A video from February 17 shows him shirtless, shoving one person to the ground and hitting another, potentially dislocating the victim’s nose, according to police reports. He also used homophobic slurs, including during his arrest.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery. Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard issued a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. LaBeouf is ordered to avoid the victims and the bar involved.

Chervinsky stated that LaBeouf wants to take responsibility for his actions, labeling it a minor bar incident. She claimed there was no evidence of bias or prejudice in the attack. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams noted the victims’ support before agreeing to a plea deal with LaBeouf.

Jeffrey Damnit, a local entertainer identified as Jeffrey Klein, was among those attacked. He mentioned being pushed and threatened by LaBeouf earlier that night. Damnit’s lawyer expressed hope that LaBeouf’s behavior will improve after treatment.

LaBeouf denied having a drinking problem in an interview with Andrew Callaghan, claiming anger and ego were the root causes of his behavior. He admitted to feeling afraid in certain situations, which he recognized as potentially homophobic.

Over the years, LaBeouf has faced several legal issues. His past includes a 2017 New York arrest during a livestream and a public drunkenness incident in Georgia during the filming of The Peanut Butter Falcon.

In 2020, LaBeouf was charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft in Los Angeles. That year, musician FKA Twigs, legally Tahliah Barnett, accused him of abuse, a case settled by July.

LaBeouf initially gained fame for his role on the Disney Channel’s Even Stevens.

___

Brook is a participant in The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, placing reporters in local newsrooms for underreported stories.