Actor Shia LaBeouf Arrested for Alleged Assault in New Orleans

LaBeouf faces two counts of simple battery after incident during Lundi Gras celebrations

Feb. 20, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans early Tuesday morning after allegedly assaulting two men outside a business on Royal Street. Police say LaBeouf, 39, was causing a disturbance and became increasingly aggressive, striking one victim multiple times with closed fists before returning and assaulting another person by punching them in the nose. LaBeouf was eventually restrained by multiple people until police arrived and took him into custody, charging him with two counts of simple battery.

Why it matters

LaBeouf has a history of public incidents and arrests, raising concerns about his mental health and behavior. The alleged assault during the Lundi Gras celebrations also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining order during major events in the city.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred around 12:45 am on February 17, 2026 on the 1400 block of Royal Street. A staff member at a local business tried to remove LaBeouf from the establishment, and once outside, he allegedly struck one of the victims multiple times with closed fists. LaBeouf then left the area but returned and continued to act aggressively, at which point multiple people tried to restrain him. He reportedly struck the same victim again before assaulting another person by punching them in the nose. LaBeouf was eventually held down until police arrived and took him into custody.

  • The incident occurred around 12:45 am on February 17, 2026.
  • The alleged assaults took place during Lundi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

A 39-year-old American actor known for his roles in films such as the Transformers franchise, who has a history of public incidents and arrests.

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What they’re saying

“At approximately 12:45am on February 17, 2026, NOPD officers were called to the 1400 block of Royal Street in response to a simple battery where two victims (two adult males), reported being assaulted.”

— New Orleans Police Department (mycentraloregon.com)

What’s next

LaBeouf was taken to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before being arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery. The judge will decide on his bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding LaBeouf's behavior and mental health, as well as the difficulties law enforcement faces in maintaining order during major events in New Orleans. It raises questions about the appropriate response to public disturbances and the need for better support systems for individuals struggling with mental health issues.