Shia LaBeouf's Ups and Downs Through the Years: Arrests and More

The actor has faced legal issues and personal struggles over the course of his career.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 11:55am

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Shia LaBeouf, known for his roles in the Transformers franchise and other films, has experienced a tumultuous journey through the public eye. From arrests for alcohol-related incidents to a lawsuit from ex-girlfriend FKA twigs, LaBeouf has been open about his battles with alcoholism and PTSD. Despite the challenges, he has continued to work in the industry and recently welcomed a daughter with actress Mia Goth.

Why it matters

LaBeouf's story highlights the struggles that some celebrities face with addiction, mental health, and personal relationships. His openness about his issues has sparked conversations around providing support and resources for those in the public eye dealing with similar challenges.

The details

LaBeouf's legal troubles began in 2014 with an arrest for disorderly conduct at a Broadway show. This was followed by other arrests for public intoxication and assault over the next several years. In 2020, LaBeouf was sued by ex-girlfriend FKA twigs, who accused him of 'relentless abuse' and sexual battery. LaBeouf acknowledged his past behavior and committed to recovery, though the lawsuit was later dropped in 2025. Despite the personal struggles, LaBeouf has continued to act, appearing in films like Fury and The Peanut Butter Falcon.

  • In June 2014, LaBeouf was arrested at a Broadway show and charged with disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal trespass.
  • In October 2015, LaBeouf was arrested in Austin, Texas and booked for misdemeanor public intoxication.
  • In September 2016, LaBeouf revealed he had been sober for nearly a year.
  • In July 2017, LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia for disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and obstruction of justice.
  • In March 2022, LaBeouf confirmed he and actress Mia Goth welcomed a daughter named Isabel.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

An American actor known for his roles in the Transformers franchise, Honey Boy, and The Peanut Butter Falcon. LaBeouf has faced several legal issues and personal struggles over the years, including arrests for alcohol-related incidents and a lawsuit from ex-girlfriend FKA twigs.

FKA twigs

A British singer and dancer who dated LaBeouf and accused him of 'relentless abuse' and sexual battery in a 2020 lawsuit, which was later dropped in 2025.

Mia Goth

An actress who welcomed a daughter named Isabel with LaBeouf in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Alcohol or any of that s*** will send you haywire. I can't f*** with none of it. I've got to keep my head low. I got a Napoleonic complex. I start drinking and I feel smaller than I am, and I get louder than I should. It's just not for me, dude.”

— Shia LaBeouf

“I am not cured of my PTSD and alcoholism. I am committed to doing what I need to do to recover, and I will forever be sorry to the people that I may have harmed along the way.”

— Shia LaBeouf

What’s next

LaBeouf's recent arrest in New Orleans during Mardi Gras on two counts of simple battery will likely lead to further legal proceedings and scrutiny of his personal behavior.

The takeaway

LaBeouf's story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of fame and the importance of seeking help for mental health and addiction issues. His openness about his struggles has helped raise awareness, but also highlights the need for greater support systems for celebrities dealing with personal crises.