NEW ORLEANS — Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in the French Quarter early Tuesday morning during Mardi Gras festivities after allegedly headbutting a man outside a bar. The 39-year-old Transformers star, who has been attempting a career comeback following legal battles and a public conversion to Catholicism, now faces two counts of simple battery.

The incident, which occurred just after midnight on Fat Tuesday, was captured in part on viral video footage that has circulated rapidly across social media. The footage appears to show a chaotic scene on Royal Street, with LaBeouf being treated by paramedics before being taken into custody by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

Breaking Down the Mardi Gras Incident

According to the New Orleans Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance call at a business in the 1400 block of Royal Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. on February 17, 2026. Witnesses reported that LaBeouf was inside the establishment "causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive" with staff and patrons.

Police statements indicate that security attempted to eject the actor from the venue. Once outside, the altercation escalated. While initial reports and the user prompt suggest a "headbutt" was the catalyst for the viral moment, police reports cited by local outlets also mention that LaBeouf allegedly struck a victim "multiple times with closed fists."

"He left the area initially but returned shortly after, acting even more aggressively," one witness told reporters. "People were trying to hold him back, but he was swinging." Another victim reportedly sustained a punch to the nose during the scuffle.

Viral Footage Surfaces

By Tuesday morning, video footage obtained by TMZ and shared widely on X (formerly Twitter) showed the aftermath of the brawl. In the clips, a disheveled LaBeouf—wearing Mardi Gras beads—is seen sitting on a curb receiving medical attention for minor injuries. He appears agitated as paramedics check him over, shortly before officers place him in handcuffs. The video has fueled intense speculation about the actor's sobriety, a topic he has discussed openly in recent years.

Charges and Legal Consequences

Shia LaBeouf was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on two misdemeanor counts of simple battery. Under Louisiana law, simple battery is defined as battery committed without the consent of the victim and carries potential penalties of fines and up to six months in jail if convicted.

The arrest marks a significant setback for the actor, who had been enjoying a relatively quiet period regarding legal troubles. He is expected to appear before a magistrate judge later Tuesday afternoon for a bond hearing. Representatives for LaBeouf have not yet issued an official statement regarding the New Orleans arrest.

A History of Legal Troubles

This arrest adds to a long timeline of legal issues for the former Disney star. LaBeouf's turbulent history with law enforcement includes high-profile incidents that have often overshadowed his critical acclaim as an actor.

  • 2017 Savannah Arrest: LaBeouf was arrested in Georgia for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct while filming The Peanut Butter Falcon. Bodycam footage of his racist tirade against officers went viral, leading to a court-mandated rehab stint.
  • 2020 Battery & Theft: He faced misdemeanor charges in Los Angeles after a physical altercation involving a man's hat.
  • FKA Twigs Lawsuit: Perhaps most damaging was the 2020 lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, FKA Twigs, accusing him of sexual battery and relentless abuse. That case was finally settled out of court in July 2025, with LaBeouf previously admitting to being "abusive to myself and everyone around me."

In recent years, LaBeouf seemed to be turning a corner. He converted to Catholicism in 2023, largely crediting his portrayal of Padre Pio in a biopic for his spiritual awakening. He had frequently spoken about his commitment to sobriety and making amends for his past behavior.

Impact on Career Comeback

The timing of this arrest is particularly precarious for LaBeouf's career rehabilitation. He recently walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 for the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme, a project that many industry insiders viewed as his return to mainstream cinema. Reports from The Hollywood Reporter suggest he had been in New Orleans for nearly a week prior to the arrest, likely participating in the Carnival celebrations.

As news of the Mardi Gras brawl spreads, questions are resurfacing about the actor's stability. Industry analysts will be watching closely to see if this latest alleged violent outburst will affect the distribution or promotion of his upcoming projects. For now, the actor remains in New Orleans custody as the city wraps up its 2026 Mardi Gras celebrations.