Shia LaBeouf Alleged Hate Crime Victim Demands Enhanced Charges
Jeffrey Damnit, one of the men allegedly battered and insulted with homophobic slurs by actor Shia LaBeouf during a Mardi Gras morning incident in New Orleans, has publicly expressed his desire for prosecutors to pursue hate crime charges against the Transformers franchise star. The encounter, which led to LaBeouf's arrest on Tuesday, has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny.
Allegations of Homophobic Assault
According to police reports and court documents, LaBeouf allegedly became increasingly aggressive at the R Bar in New Orleans's Marigny section. Authorities state that the actor attempted to punch a bar manager who was escorting him out of the establishment. Once removed, LaBeouf reportedly punched Damnit, a 49-year-old actor and frequent visitor from Los Angeles, in his upper body.
Damnit, who was dressed in drag and wearing makeup at the time of the encounter, described LaBeouf's behavior as "a complete slap in the face to any alternative-culture person." He emphasized the importance of holding the actor accountable due to his celebrity status, warning that without serious consequences, others might emulate such harmful actions.
Legal Framework and Enhanced Penalties
Louisiana's hate crime law allows for enhanced penalties against individuals who victimize others based on "actual or perceived" characteristics, including sex or gender. Damnit hopes prosecutors will apply this statute to LaBeouf's case, citing the repeated use of the homophobic slur "faggot" during the alleged assault.
"Due to his fame, if he gets away without serious consequence, anyone who looks up to him or even just knows of him will think it is OK to do the same," Damnit stated. "They will think you can call someone 'faggot', punch him a few times, get a free room for the night and be back out partying by noon the next day."
LaBeouf's Response and Previous Incidents
When approached for comment by a Guardian reporter at his New Orleans home address, LaBeouf responded dismissively, saying, "Get your ass up out of here, you silly bitch." This reaction came after multiple attempts to contact the actor and his representatives, who did not reply or decline comment.
This incident is not LaBeouf's first encounter with legal trouble. In 2017, he was arrested for disorderly conduct in Savannah, Georgia, leading to court-mandated rehabilitation. During that arrest, he was recorded accusing police of racism. Additionally, in 2014, he was arrested for disrupting a Broadway show in New York City, where he allegedly used the homophobic slur "fag" against a police officer.
Details of the New Orleans Incident
Police allege that after being removed from the R Bar, LaBeouf returned and punched Nathan Thomas Reed, 34, in the nose, despite Reed stating he did not want to fight. The police report notes that LaBeouf repeatedly aimed the word "faggot" at both Damnit and Reed. Bystanders eventually held LaBeouf down until police and paramedics arrived.
LaBeouf was taken to a hospital, discharged, and then booked with two counts of simple battery. He was released from jail without needing to post bond and was later seen partying on Bourbon Street with Mardi Gras beads around his neck, dancing with his jail release papers in his mouth.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The case highlights ongoing issues of hate crimes and accountability, particularly involving public figures. Damnit's call for hate crime charges underscores the potential for enhanced legal repercussions when bias motivates violence. As the legal process unfolds, this incident continues to draw attention to the intersection of celebrity, violence, and discrimination in contemporary society.
