Judge Allows Shia LaBeouf to Travel to Rome for Father's Baptism

The actor remains out on bond following a Mardi Gras battery arrest in New Orleans.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A New Orleans judge has approved actor Shia LaBeouf's request to travel to Rome for his father's baptism, reversing an earlier decision that denied the 39-year-old permission to leave the country while out on bond for a Mardi Gras battery case. LaBeouf's lawyer resubmitted the travel request with an itinerary, which was then approved by a different judge.

Why it matters

LaBeouf's legal troubles have raised questions about whether he is being treated differently than others, as he was released from jail more quickly than usual and his lawyer pushed back on the requirement for him to attend an alcohol and drug treatment program, arguing that "being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime." The actor's personal struggles have also prompted concerns from sources who claim he needs to find a way to get sober before a tragic ending.

The details

Shia LaBeouf was initially denied permission to travel to Rome for his father's baptism by Judge Simone Levine, who cited the lack of a travel itinerary and ordered LaBeouf into substance abuse treatment. LaBeouf's lawyer later resubmitted the request with an itinerary, which was then approved by Magistrate Peter Hamilton, allowing LaBeouf to travel to Rome for about a week for the religious ceremony.

  • On Feb. 26, Judge Simone Levine denied LaBeouf's initial request to travel to Rome.
  • On March 4, LaBeouf's lawyer resubmitted the travel request with an itinerary.
  • On March 4, Magistrate Peter Hamilton approved LaBeouf's request to travel to Rome for about a week.

The players

Shia LaBeouf

A 39-year-old actor who is out on bond following a Mardi Gras battery arrest in New Orleans.

Judge Simone Levine

The New Orleans judge who initially denied LaBeouf's request to travel to Rome, citing the lack of a travel itinerary and ordering him into substance abuse treatment.

Magistrate Peter Hamilton

The New Orleans judge who approved LaBeouf's resubmitted travel request with an itinerary, allowing him to travel to Rome for about a week.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Frankly, being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime.”

— LaBeouf's attorney (AP)

“This guy has got to find a way to get sober or die; eventually this is all going to a tragic ending.”

— A source who claims to know LaBeouf (Page Six)

What’s next

The judge in the Mardi Gras battery case will continue to monitor LaBeouf's compliance with the conditions of his bond, including any potential substance abuse treatment requirements.

The takeaway

LaBeouf's legal troubles and personal struggles have raised concerns about whether he is receiving fair treatment and the need for him to address his reported substance abuse issues before a potential tragic outcome.