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Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday morning, after he allegedly punched two people at a bar during the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations.
LaBeouf has been charged with two counts of simple assault, according to a statement from the New Orleans Police Department obtained by ROLLING STONE.
He is scheduled to appear in court today. A representative for the actor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Scuffle in the French Quarter
According to police, the altercation broke out after LaBeouf was accused of “causing a disturbance” and behaving in an increasingly “aggressive” manner at a bar in the French Quarter. An employee tried to “throw out” LaBeouf. After the actor was removed, “one of the victims reported being hit multiple times with closed fists by LaBeouf.”
LaBeouf initially left the place. However, he then returned and behaved “even more aggressively”. The police statement continued: “Several people attempted to [LaBeouf] to hold on. He was finally let go in the hope that he would leave. But he reportedly struck the same victim again in the upper body area with closed fists.
LaBeouf then allegedly attacked another person and punched them in the face. LaBeouf was held again until police arrived.” According to TMZ, LaBeouf also handed out headbutts.
Hospitalization and further allegations
Police initially took LaBeouf to the hospital, where he was treated for unknown injuries. After his release he was arrested and charged.
According to various reports, LaBeouf has been spotted attending Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans in recent days. His behavior ranged from harmless drunkenness to increasingly erratic behavior. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he showed up to a bar without a shirt (but put one on when asked). Another bar asked LaBeouf to leave on Sunday after he tried to play “celebrity bartender.” It was only recently reported that LaBeouf and his partner, actress Mia Goth, had separated.
LaBeouf has a history of alcohol addiction. He faced allegations of violent behavior and domestic violence. When his former partner FKA Twigs accused LaBeouf of emotional and physical abuse, he released a statement saying:
“I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only justifications. I abused myself and everyone around me for years.” (LaBeouf later denied FKA Twigs’ allegations, and the two settled sexual battery and assault charges last summer.)
Last year, LaBeouf was also the subject of Lewis O’Neil’s documentary “Slauson Rec,” about an experimental theater group the actor founded and directed in 2018. The film featured numerous scenes in which LaBeouf verbally belittled and occasionally physically attacked his students.
