Actor Shia LaBeouf received a probation sentence after admitting to assaulting three individuals outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras. Under the judgment by an Orleans Parish judge, LaBeouf must complete an alcohol treatment program, as confirmed by his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky. LaBeouf, known for his roles in ‘Transformers’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,’ was previously released on bail following his arrest near the French Quarter.
Footage from the incident on February 17 shows LaBeouf shirtless and involved in a physical altercation. He is seen pushing a person to the ground and striking another in the face, with police reports indicating possible facial injuries. Authorities reported that LaBeouf used homophobic language repeatedly, including at the time of his arrest.
The court found LaBeouf guilty of three counts of simple battery. Judge Juana Marine-Lombard issued a six-month suspended sentence along with two years of probation. The judge mandated that LaBeouf avoid contact with the victims and the bar. Attorney Sarah Chervinsky stated that LaBeouf wished to accept responsibility for his actions, referring to the incident as a ‘minor Mardi Gras bar tussle.’ Chervinsky contested claims of bias or prejudice as motives.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams remarked that his office worked closely with the victims, securing their consent before offering LaBeouf a plea agreement. Jeffrey Damnit, known legally as Jeffrey Klein, identified himself as one of the individuals attacked. He claims LaBeouf threatened him using homophobic slurs earlier that evening. Damnit’s attorney, Michael Kennedy, hopes that LaBeouf’s behavior will change following treatment. Kennedy emphasized that New Orleans promotes equality and safety for all people, regardless of fame.
Upon being charged, a judge ordered LaBeouf into rehabilitation. However, in a subsequent interview with Andrew Callaghan, LaBeouf denied having a problem with alcohol. He attributed his behavior to anger and ego rather than drinking. LaBeouf also revealed feeling intimidated by ‘big gay people,’ expressing discomfort when approached by them.
LaBeouf has faced legal troubles throughout his career. In 2017, he was arrested in New York for a suspected assault and faced charges in Georgia for disorderly conduct. In 2020, he faced battery and petty theft charges in Los Angeles. Additionally, singer FKA Twigs accused LaBeouf of emotional and physical abuse, which they settled in July. LaBeouf rose to fame as a child star with the Disney Channel series ‘Even Stevens.’