Shia Labeouf Faces Backlash After Allegedly Using Homophobic Slurs Pre-Arrest

by

Shia LaBeouf is again facing public scrutiny after being arrested during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The 39-year-old actor was arrested early Wednesday, February 18th, at R Bar in the Marigny neighborhood.

Police say LaBeouf became confrontational and tried to hit a bar manager who was asking him to leave. The situation worsened outside, according to police reports.

Court documents indicate LaBeouf allegedly punched a man named Jeffrey Damnit, and then hit another man, Nathan Thomas Reed, in the nose. He was charged with two counts of simple battery and released without bail on Tuesday afternoon.

The situation has become more serious since the arrest, with both people who claim they were harmed now saying Shia LaBeouf used hateful language during the altercation. Jeffrey Damnit, who was dressed in drag, alleges that LaBeouf tried to attack him while shouting a homophobic slur. Damnit also shared video footage reportedly showing LaBeouf using the same slur from inside a car. Nathan Thomas Reed, who identifies as queer, confirmed these claims, stating that LaBeouf was repeatedly using the slur.

An early police report mentioned LaBeouf allegedly saying a homophobic slur about those who arrested him, but this detail was left out of a later court document. Police have stated that the investigation is still active and will be resolved in court.

Even though the accusations against him were serious, Shia LaBeouf seemed relaxed after being released. He was seen on Bourbon Street with Mardi Gras beads, telling a reporter how much he was enjoying the celebration. He then posted a simple message online saying, “Free me.” His next court date is scheduled for March 19th in New Orleans.

This new legal issue arises as Shia LaBeouf works to revitalize his career. He recently appeared in the boxing movie Salvable, released in May 2025, playing a street fighter named Vince. He also had a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s large-scale film, Megalopolis.

Shia LaBeouf has publicly discussed his personal struggles and recent embrace of Catholicism, which he credits with bringing him peace. Despite this, his career continues to be affected by a 2020 lawsuit filed by his former partner, FKA Twigs, where she alleges abuse. The legal case is still ongoing.

Read More

2026-02-20 19:45