"I am wrong for touching anyone, ever. And that's the end of my statement on this whole shit."
— Shia LaBeouf
Actor Shia LaBeouf pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor simple battery on July 19, 2023, stemming from a physical altercation at a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras.
The Orleans Parish criminal district court sentenced him to a suspended six-month jail term and two years of probation, with conditions including alcohol abuse rehabilitation, sensitivity training, and anger management classes.
Incident Details
The altercation occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m. on February 17, 2023, at the R Bar (Royal Street Inn & R Bar) in the Marigny neighborhood, during Mardi Gras festivities.
According to police reports and court documents:
- Bar staff asked LaBeouf to leave after he became aggressive.
- He allegedly pushed one person to the ground and struck another in the face, with police reports stating the punch may have dislocated the individual's nose.
- Reports indicate LaBeouf head-butted a third person.
- Police allege LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during and after the incident.
- Bystanders reportedly restrained LaBeouf until police and paramedics arrived.
Individuals Involved
Jeffrey Damnit (also identified in police reports by his legal last name, Klein), a local entertainer wearing drag makeup, stated he was among those attacked. Damnit reported that LaBeouf pushed him from behind, hit him multiple times, and used homophobic slurs and threats.
Nathan Thomas Reed, 34, who identifies as queer, was also identified by police as an alleged victim. Reports indicate LaBeouf struck Reed in the nose after being escorted out of the bar.
A report from police also identified a third individual involved in the incident.
Legal Proceedings
Initial Arrest and Release
Following the incident, LaBeouf was taken to a hospital and subsequently arrested. He was initially booked on two counts of misdemeanor simple battery and released on his own recognizance. After his release, LaBeouf was observed celebrating on Bourbon Street and later photographed at a nightclub.
Court Hearings and Bond
On February 23, Judge Simone Levine summoned LaBeouf to court. Noting the "seriousness of the offense alleged," the judge set a bond of $100,000 and ordered LaBeouf to undergo drug and alcohol testing and enroll in substance abuse treatment. A request for LaBeouf to travel to Rome for "religious observations" was denied. LaBeouf was ordered to stay away from the alleged victims and the bar.
LaBeouf completed a drug and alcohol test at the courthouse. Judge Levine expressed concern regarding the results, indicating that LaBeouf "does not take his alcohol addiction seriously."
Additional Charges and Surrender
A new arrest warrant was issued on February 24, adding a third count of simple battery. LaBeouf voluntarily surrendered to the Orleans Parish jail. Magistrate Commissioner Jonathan Friedman set a separate $5,000 bail for this charge. LaBeouf posted bond.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
On July 19, 2023, LaBeouf pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery before Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard. The state did not file hate crime enhancements.
The court sentenced LaBeouf to a six-month suspended jail sentence and two years of probation. Additional conditions include:
- Enrollment in an alcohol treatment program
- Sensitivity training
- Anger management classes
- No contact with the victims or the bar
Statements from Involved Parties
Sarah Chervinsky, LaBeouf's attorney, stated that her client wanted to "take accountability for his part in what happened" and described the incident as a "minor bar tussle." Chervinsky stated there was "no evidence it was about bias or prejudice." Following the initial bond requirements, she argued that "no regular person would be required to post over $100,000 in bonds, and be jailed two separate times for one misdemeanor incident," and that LaBeouf should not be treated more harshly due to his public figure status.
Jeffrey Damnit stated he hoped prosecutors would pursue charges under Louisiana's hate crimes law and expressed concern that LaBeouf avoiding serious consequences due to his fame could lead others to believe similar actions are acceptable.
Michael Kennedy, attorney for Damnit, stated the outcome showed that everyone is "equal, and we don't treat people differently based upon relative fame."
Jason Williams, Orleans Parish District Attorney, stated that his office consulted with the victims to ensure their support before offering the plea deal.
LaBeouf's Public Statements
In a post-arrest interview with journalist Andrew Callaghan (Channel 5), LaBeouf stated:
- "My behavior [is] bullshit. I gotta deal with that."
- He dismissed further rehab, saying, "I don't think my answers are there."
- He attributed his issues to "a small man complex" and problems with "anger and ego moreso than my drinking."
- Regarding the incident, he mentioned his "traditional Catholic" faith and said, "big gay people are scary to me."
- He stated, "I'm like, standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg – I get scared."
- He concluded, "I am wrong for touching anyone, ever. And that's the end of my statement on this whole shit."
Background and Prior Legal Incidents
LaBeouf has a history of legal encounters, including:
- 2014: Arrested in New York City for allegedly disrupting a Broadway show; accused of using a homophobic slur toward a police officer.
- 2017: Arrested in New York City for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, leading to court-ordered rehabilitation.
- 2017: Arrested in Savannah, Georgia for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction while filming "The Peanut Butter Falcon." He was recorded making racist comments to police, which led to court-mandated rehabilitation.
- 2020: Charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft in Los Angeles.
- 2020: Singer and actor FKA Twigs (Tahliah Barnett) filed a lawsuit alleging physical and emotional abuse during their relationship. The lawsuit was settled in July 2023.