NEW ORLEANS – Actor Shia LaBeouf was sentenced to probation on Wednesday after pleading guilty to assaulting three people outside a bar during Mardi Gras.
LaBeouf, known for his roles in popular movies like Transformers and Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, must now attend an alcohol treatment program as part of his sentence, according to attorney Sarah Chervinsky.
The incident took place on February 17, when LaBeouf was arrested near the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. Video footage reportedly shows him shoving one person to the ground and hitting another, which led to a possible nose injury for the victim. During the encounter, LaBeouf allegedly used homophobic slurs, according to police reports.
After pleading guilty to three counts of simple battery, Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard imposed a six-month suspended sentence along with two years of probation. He is also required to stay away from both the victims and the bar where the incident occurred.
Chervinsky mentioned that LaBeouf wanted to take responsibility for his actions, describing the incident as a “minor Mardi Gras bar tussle.” She emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting the incident was motivated by bias or prejudice.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney, Jason Williams, stated that his office consulted with the victims before offering LaBeouf a plea deal, ensuring their support.
One of the victims, Jeffrey Damnit, revealed that he was attacked by LaBeouf and reported that the actor had threatened him earlier in the night while using slurs. Damnit’s attorney expressed hope that LaBeouf’s treatment would lead to improved behavior.
“In New Orleans, we are all equal, and we should all feel safe,” attorney Michael Kennedy remarked, emphasizing that fame should not provide someone with immunity from consequences.
Following the charges, LaBeouf was ordered to attend drug and alcohol rehabilitation. However, in a subsequent interview, he denied having a drinking problem, attributing his aggressive behavior to “anger and ego” instead.
LaBeouf also made comments about feeling threatened by “big gay people,” which he acknowledged could be perceived as homophobic.
The actor has had multiple legal troubles throughout his career, including a 2017 arrest in New York City and public drunkenness charges while filming in Georgia.
In 2020, he faced allegations of physical and emotional abuse from singer FKA Twigs during their relationship, which they later settled.
Shia LaBeouf first gained fame as a child actor on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, showcasing his talent from a young age.
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Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
