Actor Shia LaBeouf received a probation sentence on Wednesday after admitting guilt to assaulting three individuals outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras. LaBeouf was mandated to participate in an alcohol rehabilitation program by an Orleans Parish judge, as stated by Sarah Chervinsky, the actor’s legal representative. Known for his roles in “Transformers” (2007) and “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull” (2008), LaBeouf was previously released on bail following his apprehension near the French Quarter.
Video footage of the incident on February 17 captured LaBeouf, shirtless, pushing one person to the ground and striking another in the face, potentially causing a dislocated nose, according to a New Orleans police report. Authorities reported LaBeouf using homophobic language during the altercation and subsequent arrest. The actor pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery.
Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard imposed a suspended six-month sentence and two years of probation on LaBeouf, with additional orders to maintain distance from the victims and the bar. Chervinsky stated that LaBeouf acknowledged his role in the incident, describing it as a minor scuffle at a Mardi Gras bar and denying any bias or prejudice involvement.
District Attorney Jason Williams affirmed that LaBeouf’s plea deal was approved after consulting with the victims for their consent. Local entertainer Jeffrey Damnit, also known as Jeffrey Klein, revealed himself as one of the assaulted individuals. Damnit disclosed that LaBeouf had verbally and physically assaulted him earlier in the night at the bar, using derogatory language and making threats.
Michael Kennedy, Damnit’s attorney, expressed hope for LaBeouf’s improvement post substance abuse treatment, emphasizing equality and safety for all in New Orleans. LaBeouf’s history includes multiple encounters with the law, with a judge ordering him back to rehabilitation after the February incident. In an interview with Andrew Callaghan, LaBeouf denied having a drinking problem and attributed his behavior to anger and ego rather than alcohol. He also made controversial remarks about his discomfort around gay individuals.
LaBeouf, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, has faced legal issues throughout his career, including arrests in New York and Georgia. In 2020, he faced charges in Los Angeles, and a lawsuit from singer FKA Twigs alleging abuse during their relationship. The lawsuit was settled in July, and LaBeouf rose to fame as a child actor on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.”