Actor Shia LaBeouf Charged with Battery, Accused of Homophobic Slurs in New Orleans Bar Incident

LaBeouf allegedly struck multiple people and used slurs during Mardi Gras celebration

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Actor Shia LaBeouf has been charged with battery and is accused of repeatedly using homophobic slurs while hitting multiple people at a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras, according to a police report. LaBeouf allegedly "became irate and aggressive throughout the night" and struck several people, including a local entertainer who says LaBeouf's attack was motivated by his appearance in makeup and lipstick.

Why it matters

This incident highlights LaBeouf's history of legal troubles and allegations of violent and abusive behavior, raising concerns about his conduct and the potential impact on his career and public image. It also touches on broader issues of homophobia, intolerance, and violence in public spaces.

The details

According to the police report, LaBeouf struck multiple people with a closed fist at the Royal Street Inn & R Bar near the French Quarter. Witness Jeffrey Damnit, a local entertainer, said LaBeouf "hit me, he connected a few times with punches, he pushed me a few times" and used homophobic slurs, believing Damnit's appearance in makeup and lipstick had angered LaBeouf. Videos show LaBeouf shoving one person to the ground and hitting another, possibly dislocating their nose. LaBeouf was arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery.

  • The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on the morning of Mardi Gras (February 18, 2026).
  • LaBeouf was released from custody on Tuesday (February 19, 2026) without a bond requirement.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

A 39-year-old American actor known for his roles in films like "Transformers" and "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull", who has a history of legal troubles and allegations of violent behavior.

Jeffrey Damnit

A well-known local entertainer in New Orleans who was one of the people allegedly attacked by LaBeouf and believes LaBeouf's attack was motivated by his appearance in makeup and lipstick.

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What they’re saying

“He hit me, he connected a few times with punches, he pushed me a few times”

— Jeffrey Damnit, Local entertainer (wnyt.com)

“This guy wants me to be dead because I wear makeup. It's a screwed up thing.”

— Jeffrey Damnit, Local entertainer (wnyt.com)

“I didn't shove nobody, I never touched nobody”

— Shia LaBeouf (wnyt.com)

What’s next

A New Orleans magistrate judge ordered LaBeouf to be released from custody on Tuesday without a bond requirement. LaBeouf faces two counts of simple battery.

The takeaway

This incident further highlights Shia LaBeouf's history of legal troubles and allegations of violent behavior, raising concerns about his conduct and the potential impact on his career and public image. It also touches on broader issues of homophobia, intolerance, and violence in public spaces.