Shia LaBeouf Arrested After Physical Altercation in New Orleans

The actor was reportedly involved in an incident during Mardi Gras celebrations.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday morning following an alleged physical altercation that took place during Mardi Gras celebrations. The 39-year-old actor is facing two counts of simple battery, according to court records obtained by TMZ. Paramedics were called to the scene, and LaBeouf was seen sitting in the back of a police car with a white T-shirt on his head while speaking to EMS personnel.

Why it matters

LaBeouf has a history of legal issues and arrests related to alcohol use, and this latest incident adds to his ongoing public struggles with addiction and mental health. The arrest also occurred during the high-profile Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, drawing further attention to LaBeouf's personal challenges.

The details

According to reports, the alleged physical altercation took place just after midnight in the French Quarter of New Orleans. An eyewitness claimed that LaBeouf was escorted out of a bar before the incident occurred. Footage obtained by TMZ showed LaBeouf, shirtless, speaking with someone before being seated in the open trunk of a police car.

  • The alleged incident occurred just after midnight on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

A 39-year-old actor who has faced a series of legal issues and arrests, including alcohol-related incidents, in recent years.

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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 (Variety)

“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 (The New York Times)

What’s next

LaBeouf is facing two counts of simple battery, and it is unclear if he will be released on bail or face further legal consequences from this latest incident.

The takeaway

This arrest is the latest in a series of personal and legal challenges for Shia LaBeouf, highlighting his ongoing struggles with addiction, mental health, and maintaining a stable public image. The incident during the high-profile Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans has drawn further attention to LaBeouf's troubles, underscoring the need for him to continue seeking help and support to address the underlying issues contributing to his behavior.