Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested in New Orleans following Mardi Gras beat-down
Actor Shia LaBeouf, the once-cherished child star-turned-Hollywood bad boy, was arrested in the early morning hours of February 17, 2026, after an altercation during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. The actor, best known for his role in Transformers and his breakout on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, faces two counts of simple battery following an incident outside a French Quarter bar.
According to reports, LaBeouf, 39, was causing a disturbance inside a business around 12:45 a.m. local time, and after being escorted out, he allegedly punched a man multiple times with closed fists. Witnesses claim he returned to the scene and continued his aggressive behavior, striking another individual in the nose. LaBeouf was restrained by bystanders until police arrived. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries and later arrested.
According to police, LaBeouf was observed shouting passionately into the night, gesturing dramatically at strangers, and attempting to deliver what witnesses described as “a very committed monologue” to a group of confused tourists holding neon daiquiri cups. ~ The Sadvocate
This latest incident adds to LaBeouf’s long history of legal woes, dating back to multiple arrests for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and other related offenses over the years. In 2017, LaBeouf was arrested for a tirade in Georgia; and in 2020, he was charged with battery and theft. His personal life has also been marred by a high-profile lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, singer FKA Twigs, who accused him of physical and emotional abuse. LaBeouf later apologized for his actions, citing his struggles with alcoholism and PTSD.
LaBeouf’s career was launched at an early age on Even Stevens, where he earned a Daytime Emmy Award before breaking into films with roles in Holes, I-Robot, and the Transformers franchise. Despite the controversies, he has continued acting, most recently in the films Padre Pio and Megalopolis. He is also the father of a young daughter with wife Mia Goth.
In a statement made during a 2022 podcast appearance, LaBeouf expressed regret for his past actions, acknowledging the pain he had caused to those around him. He has since embraced a journey of personal growth, including his conversion to Catholicism and efforts to stay sober.
While LaBeouf faces his legal battles, his professional future remains uncertain. Upcoming projects, including God of the Rodeo, may still proceed, but the actor’s personal and legal challenges continue to cast a shadow over his career.
For more on the story, see the video accompanying this article.
~
(Additional sources: AP News, Fox News, Variety, People)
(Cover photo, Shia LaBeouf mugshot, Image credit: New Orleans Police Department)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
