Actor Shia LaBeouf Arrested After Alleged Mardi Gras Fight in New Orleans

LaBeouf charged with two counts of simple battery after incident in French Quarter

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans after allegedly hitting two men during Mardi Gras celebrations early Tuesday morning. Police say LaBeouf was 'causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive' inside a business in the French Quarter before an employee tried to remove him. Once outside, LaBeouf is accused of hitting a man 'multiple times with closed fists.' He later returned and allegedly punched another man in the nose before being held down until police arrived.

Why it matters

LaBeouf has a history of run-ins with the law, including previous arrests for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and battery. This latest incident during the high-profile Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans raises further questions about the actor's behavior and potential mental health struggles.

The details

According to police, officers were called to a business in the French Quarter around 12:45 a.m. after LaBeouf was 'causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive' inside. An employee tried to remove LaBeouf, and once outside, he allegedly hit a man 'multiple times with closed fists.' LaBeouf then left the area but later returned and continued acting aggressively. 'Multiple individuals attempted to restrain him, releasing him in hopes he would leave,' police said. The man who was first allegedly hit by LaBeouf told police the actor hit him again, and another man said LaBeouf punched him in the nose. LaBeouf was held down until officers arrived, taken to a hospital for treatment, and then arrested.

  • The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

A 39-year-old American actor who first gained acclaim as a child for his role on the Disney Channel series 'Even Stevens' and has continued working steadily into adulthood, including roles in the 'Transformers' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises.

New Orleans Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested LaBeouf, charging him with two counts of simple battery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was held down until officers arrived.”

— New Orleans Police Department (jammin983.com)

What’s next

LaBeouf was taken into custody by police after being treated at a hospital. He will likely face a court hearing to determine if he will be released on bail or remain in jail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This latest arrest continues a troubling pattern of behavior for Shia LaBeouf, who has a history of public incidents and legal troubles. It raises concerns about his mental health and ability to responsibly manage his celebrity status, especially during high-profile events like Mardi Gras.