Orleans Parish prosecutors formally charged actor Shia LaBeouf with three misdemeanor counts of simple battery on Thursday, May 21, 2026, following his February arrest for allegedly striking three men during a Mardi Gras dispute at a New Orleans bar.
District Attorney Jason Williams filed the charges via a bill of information just before a scheduled court hearing, according to court records reviewed by the Guardian and Nola.
>>> Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Fails to Enter Nielsen Top 10
com.
The decision means prosecutors bypassed potential hate-crime charges despite video evidence showing the 39-year-old actor shouting anti-gay slurs during the altercation.
The New Orleans Police Department reported that officers responded to the R Bar in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood at approximately 12:45 a.
m. on February 17.
Investigators stated that LaBeouf became increasingly aggressive, punched a staff member who attempted to eject him, and headbutted a third person before patrons restrained him.
Following his arrest and a brief hospital evaluation, LaBeouf secured his release after posting a $105,000 bond under court-ordered conditions requiring him to undergo substance abuse treatment and stay away from the victims.
Attorney Comments on Case
Attorney Michael Kennedy, who represents alleged victim Jeffrey Damnit, addressed the prosecution moving forward with the case during a court session.
"The fact that the district attorney's office is moving forward with this case when there is overwhelming evidence that a crime was committed should not be a surprise to anyone – because being a celebrity does not buy you special treatment in New Orleans," said Kennedy.
The defense position and broader context of the confrontation were subsequently outlined by the actor himself during a media appearance conducted eleven days after the incident.
"Let's fight, let's fight," said LaBeouf.
Police records state that the actor additionally directed derogatory statements toward bystanders and law enforcement during the arrest sequence.
"These f****ts put me in jail. I'm a Catholic," said LaBeouf.
LaBeouf later discussed his religious background and personal reactions regarding the individuals present inside the establishment during an interview with the YouTube channel Channel 5.
"big gay people are scary," said LaBeouf.
>>> South Park Creators Double Down on Political Satire After White House Backlash
The actor further alleged that the physical confrontation began after specific unwanted contact occurred near his seat.
"three gay dudes [were] next to me, touching my leg," said LaBeouf.
He then characterized his immediate emotional state before acknowledging the public perception of the language he utilized. "I [got] scared," said LaBeouf.
He followed with an explicit statement regarding the characterization of his words. "I'm sorry – if that's homophobic, then I'm that," said LaBeouf.
LaBeouf subsequently evaluated his own actions during the same interview and questioned the necessity of returning to a residential treatment center.
"My behaviour [is] bullshit. I gotta deal with that.
Does that mean I gotta go to rehab again? I'm just not into it, bro," said LaBeouf.
The actor concluded his remarks by expanding on the underlying personal issues he believes drove the conflict. "I don't think my answers are there.
I don't. I really, genuinely, don't.
If I genuinely did, I'd go. I don't think I have a different problem," said LaBeouf.
He noted that he plans to handle these behavioral challenges independently as he continues his personal development.
"I'm gonna address it … I think it's something that has to do with anger and ego moreso than my drinking, but that's where I'm at now on my journey, and I'm trying to navigate it.
I'll figure it out," said LaBeouf.
>>> Police Investigate Homicide After Finding Body of Actor Stewart McLean
An official arraignment date for LaBeouf to enter his formal plea has not yet been scheduled by the court.
