Shirtless Shia LaBeouf Runs, Visits Churches After Mardi Gras Arrest

The actor was released from jail following a battery charge but continued partying before observing Ash Wednesday.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:07am

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Shia LaBeouf was spotted leaving his New Orleans home on Wednesday, going for a shirtless run around a park. After returning home, he visited two Catholic churches to observe Ash Wednesday, but found them closed. LaBeouf then went to a Mediterranean restaurant, where he chatted with a woman outside before dining alone inside. This came a day after LaBeouf's arrest during Mardi Gras celebrations, where he was charged with two counts of simple battery following a brawl.

Why it matters

LaBeouf's erratic behavior and legal troubles have been well-documented over the years, raising concerns about his mental health and struggles with addiction. This latest incident during the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans highlights the actor's continued challenges, even as he has sought to deepen his Catholic faith in recent years.

The details

According to reports, LaBeouf was 'terrorizing the city' and 'somewhat belligerent' during Mardi Gras celebrations before his arrest. He was treated by paramedics after the brawl and released from jail on Tuesday, but immediately returned to partying, buying new clothes and dancing with his jail paperwork. Despite his legal troubles, LaBeouf seemed unrepentant, tweeting 'Free me' early Wednesday morning.

  • LaBeouf was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
  • He was released from jail on Tuesday and immediately returned to Mardi Gras festivities.
  • On Wednesday, LaBeouf was seen leaving his home around 1:30 p.m. and going for a shirtless run.
  • LaBeouf then visited two Catholic churches to observe Ash Wednesday, but found them closed.
  • He later went to a Mediterranean restaurant, where he chatted with a woman outside before dining alone inside.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

A 39-year-old actor known for his roles in films like 'Transformers' and 'Even Stevens', who has a history of legal troubles and has recently sought to deepen his Catholic faith.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.