Shia LaBeouf’s Wild Mardi Gras in New Orleans: Arrest, Brawl & Aftermath
New Orleans, February 2026 What was supposed to be a festive celebration during one of America’s biggest cultural events turned into a headline-grabbing incident involving Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf. The 39-year-old star known for films like Transformers and Honey Boy was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday morning after an alleged altercation during the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations. A Weekend of Revelry LaBeouf had been seen in and around the French Quarter over the long Mardi Gras
weekend, joining thousands of revelers between parades, bars, and street parties. Video footage shared online and by witnesses captured him dancing, interacting with crowds, and being part of the energetic carnival atmosphere. The Incident That Led to Arrest Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, police were called to a disturbance at a business near the French Quarter after reports that LaBeouf was acting increasingly aggressive inside. According to police statements, an employee attempted to remove him from the premises.
Once outside, authorities say LaBeouf allegedly struck a man multiple times with a closed fist. Although he initially left the scene, he returned soon after and reportedly continued to act aggressively, punching another man in one report, in the nose. Bystanders intervened and restrained him until officers arrived Paramedics were called to the scene and treated LaBeouf for unknown injuries before he was transported to a hospital and later taken into police custody.
Charges and Legal Process LaBeouf was charged with two counts of simple battery under local Louisiana law He was released on his own recognizance after being booked, but he’s expected to appear in court for his initial hearing later this week, with further hearings scheduled in the coming weeks. A Low-Key Return to the City Despite the arrest making national news, reports say LaBeouf didn’t leave New Orleans after his release. Instead, he was later seen keeping it low-key grabbing a simple meal (burger, fries, and water) at a local pub in the French Quarter, seemingly wanting to avoid further attention.
What Videos Have Shown Video footage circulating online shows LaBeouf shirtless in the French Quarter during the early-morning altercation, interacting with bystanders and emergency responders. One clip even shows paramedics treating him on the street before he’s placed in an ambulance — moments that have been widely shared on social platforms.
A History of Public Struggles This isn’t LaBeouf’s first public incident involving the law or controversy. Over the years, he’s had multiple run-ins with authorities for arrests related to disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and other charges. He has also spoken openly in the past about his struggles with addiction and mental health, including entering court-mandated rehabilitation following a 2017 arrest. LaBeouf’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, including a high-profile lawsuit from British singer FKA Twigs alleging abuse, settled in 2025.
The arrest during one of America’s most iconic cultural celebrations adds another chapter to LaBeouf’s complex public life — blending artistic fame with legal troubles and personal challenges. As the story continues to unfold with upcoming court dates, many will be watching what comes next for one of Hollywood’s most talked-about figures.
