Shia LaBeouf Arrested for Alleged Battery, Homophobic Slurs at Mardi Gras

The actor is accused of attacking two men, one of whom identifies as queer, at a New Orleans bar during the Mardi Gras celebration.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:15am

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Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested early Tuesday morning in New Orleans and is accused of battery after allegedly attacking two men at a bar, one of whom identifies as queer and another who was dressed in drag. LaBeouf is alleged to have used homophobic slurs during the incident.

Why it matters

Allegations of this nature, particularly involving the use of hateful language, carry significant weight in the current climate. The potential for professional repercussions highlights the growing expectation of accountability for public figures, especially as the LGBTQ+ community faces a documented rise in attacks based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The details

Jeffrey Damnit, identified by police as one of the victims, stated that LaBeouf attempted to attack him while shouting, 'You're a fucking faggot.' Damnit shared a video showing LaBeouf in the back of a vehicle, appearing to glance at Damnit and repeat the slur. Nathan Thomas Reed, the other man named by police as a victim, stated he wants it to be known that LaBeouf was 'calling people faggot,' including himself, and that he identifies as a queer man.

  • LaBeouf was arrested early Tuesday morning (February 18, 2026) in New Orleans.
  • LaBeouf was released from custody on his own recognizance pending the outcome of the case.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

An American actor who has faced previous legal issues and public scrutiny for his behavior.

Jeffrey Damnit

One of the victims identified by police, who stated that LaBeouf attempted to attack him while using a homophobic slur.

Nathan Thomas Reed

The other victim identified by police, who stated that LaBeouf was 'calling people faggot,' including himself, and that he identifies as a queer man.

Sean Astin

The president of the Screen Actors Guild, whom one of the victims hopes will investigate whether it is safe for LaBeouf to work with other union members.

Kyle DeVries

The president of the New Orleans Pride Center, who noted that the allegations come at a precarious time for the LGBTQ+ community.

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What they’re saying

“You're a fucking faggot.”

— Shia LaBeouf

“Preserve on calling me faggot.”

— Jeffrey Damnit, Victim

“These faggots set me in jail.”

— Shia LaBeouf

“God bless you, guys – Mardi Gras is amazing.”

— Shia LaBeouf (WAFB)

“At any other day job, that would happen.”

— Jeffrey Damnit, Victim

What’s next

LaBeouf's next hearing in New Orleans criminal court is tentatively scheduled for March 19.

The takeaway

These allegations against a high-profile public figure like Shia LaBeouf, involving the use of homophobic slurs and violence, underscore the growing demand for accountability and the need for the entertainment industry to address such incidents and their impact on marginalized communities.