Actor Shia LaBeouf was sentenced to probation on Wednesday after pleading guilty to punching three individuals outside a bar in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The sentence, delivered by an Orleans Parish judge, includes mandatory participation in an alcohol treatment program, according to Sarah Chervinsky, LaBeouf's attorney.
Incident Details
LaBeouf, best known for his roles in 'Transformers' (2007) and 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' (2008), was arrested near the French Quarter following the February 17 altercation. Video footage shows a shirtless LaBeouf shoving one person to the ground and striking another in the face, causing a possible dislocation of the nose, according to a New Orleans police report. Police also stated that LaBeouf repeatedly used homophobic slurs, even during his arrest.
Legal Proceedings
LaBeouf pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery. Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard imposed a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. Additionally, LaBeouf must stay away from the victims and the bar where the incident occurred.
Chervinsky emphasized that LaBeouf wanted 'to take accountability for his part in what happened' and described the event as a 'minor Mardi Gras bar tussle.' She noted there was 'no evidence it was about bias or prejudice.' Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams stated that his office consulted with the victims to ensure their support before offering the plea deal.
Victim's Account
Jeffrey Damnit, a local entertainer identified as Jeffrey Klein by police, said he was one of the individuals attacked by LaBeouf. He recounted that LaBeouf pushed him from behind at the bar earlier that night, shouting homophobic slurs and threatening his life. Damnit's attorney, Michael Kennedy, expressed hope that LaBeouf's behavior would improve through substance abuse treatment. 'In New Orleans we are all equal, we should all feel safe, and we don't treat people different based upon relative fame,' Kennedy said.
Previous Statements and Legal History
After being charged in February, a judge ordered LaBeouf to return to drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Days later, LaBeouf denied having a 'drinking problem' in an interview with journalist and YouTuber Andrew Callaghan, expressing doubt that rehab would help him. He attributed his aggressive behavior during Mardi Gras to 'anger and ego' rather than alcohol. LaBeouf also made controversial remarks, stating, 'big gay people are scary to me' and 'When I'm standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me touching my leg, I get scared. I'm sorry. If that's homophobic, then I'm that.'
LaBeouf, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, has a history of legal troubles. In 2017, he was arrested in New York City on suspicion of assault during a livestream. Later that year, while filming 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' in Georgia, he was arrested for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction, receiving probation. In 2020, he faced misdemeanor battery and petty theft charges in Los Angeles. That same year, singer and actor FKA Twigs (Tahliah Barnett) filed a lawsuit alleging physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, which they settled in July.
LaBeouf first gained acclaim as a child for his role on the Disney Channel series 'Even Stevens.'
