Shia LaBeouf Involved in Violent Altercation Leading to Arrest During Mardi Gras Festivities
New Orleans police have confirmed the arrest of actor Shia LaBeouf following a physical confrontation that erupted in the city's historic French Quarter during Mardi Gras celebrations. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the Transformers star facing legal charges.
Details of the Disturbance and Police Response
According to official reports from the New Orleans Police Department, authorities were dispatched to Royal Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. after receiving calls about a disturbance. Investigators stated that LaBeouf, 39, was involved in an aggressive altercation at an unidentified business, where he allegedly became increasingly hostile.
Witnesses and victims reported that LaBeouf struck one individual multiple times with closed fists. After briefly leaving the scene, he returned in a more agitated state and assaulted the same victim again, targeting the upper body, and also punched another person in the face. Photographs from the event show LaBeouf being thrown to the ground and restrained by individuals at the location.
Legal Charges and Aftermath of the Incident
Court records indicate that Shia LaBeouf was arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery. Following his release from jail, he was spotted back in New Orleans, though he has not publicly addressed the events. On his social media account, he posted a message reading 'Free me,' alongside a selfie wearing Mardi Gras beads.
Employees from several bars in the area provided accounts to media outlets, describing LaBeouf as shirtless, inebriated, and behaving belligerently on the night of the incident. Some witnesses claimed he repeatedly asked, 'Do you know who I am?' while others accused him of 'terrorising the city.'
This altercation adds to the actor's history of public controversies, occurring amidst the lively and crowded Mardi Gras festivities, which draw thousands to New Orleans annually. Police continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the brawl.
