Actor Shia LaBeouf received probation as his sentence on Wednesday after admitting to assaulting three individuals outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras. LaBeouf is required to complete an alcohol treatment program as part of the judgment issued by an Orleans Parish judge, as stated by Sarah Chervinsky, the actor’s legal representative. LaBeouf, best known for his lead roles in 2007’s “Transformers” and 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,” had been released on bail subsequent to his arrest near the French Quarter of the city.
Footage of the incident on February 17 captured a shirtless LaBeouf at a bar pushing one individual to the ground and striking another in the face, resulting in a potential dislocation of the individual’s nose, according to a report from the New Orleans police. LaBeouf was reported to have used homophobic slurs during the altercation and upon his arrest.
Having pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery, LaBeouf was given a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation by Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard. Additionally, he is required to maintain distance from the victims and the bar. Chervinsky mentioned that LaBeouf sought to take responsibility for his actions and characterized the incident as a minor scuffle at a Mardi Gras bar, emphasizing that there was no indication of bias or prejudice.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams disclosed that his office consulted with the victims to ensure their consent before presenting LaBeouf with the plea agreement. Jeffrey Damnit, identified by the police as Jeffrey Klein, a local performer, claimed to be one of the individuals assaulted by LaBeouf. Damnit’s lawyer expressed hope that LaBeouf’s conduct would improve following his participation in substance abuse treatment, emphasizing the importance of equality and safety for all individuals in New Orleans.
In a separate incident, following his charges in February, LaBeouf was instructed by a judge to attend drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Subsequently, in an interview with journalist and YouTuber Andrew Callaghan, LaBeouf negated having a drinking issue and expressed skepticism about the efficacy of rehab for him. He attributed his aggressive behavior during Mardi Gras more to anger and ego than alcohol. LaBeouf also made controversial remarks regarding his discomfort around gay individuals in the interview.
LaBeouf, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, has encountered legal issues throughout his career, including arrests in New York City in 2017 for alleged assault and in Georgia for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. In 2020, he faced charges of misdemeanor battery and petty theft in Los Angeles. That same year, he settled a lawsuit with English singer and actor FKA Twigs, where she accused him of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship. LaBeouf rose to fame as a child actor on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.”
