Shia LaBeouf was taken into custody in New Orleans after an altercation at R Bar during Mardi Gras weekend, police confirmed. New Orleans Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of a disruptive patron at the Faubourg Marigny venue, and said the individual allegedly struck two men.
What happened
According to police and witness accounts, bar staff first asked LaBeouf to leave after a disturbance. He was escorted outside, then — witnesses say — got into a physical confrontation in which he struck one man several times. People at the scene attempted to restrain him; another patron suffered a blow to the nose. Video that circulated online shows a chaotic scene outside the bar, with a crowd surrounding a person on the ground while someone appears to strike him.
LaBeouf was taken to a hospital for evaluation and, after being released, was booked on two counts of simple battery. Investigators say they are reviewing video and interviewing witnesses; any potential charges will be determined through their review and by prosecutors.
Eyewitness accounts and footage
Multiple onlookers told reporters that staff initially escorted LaBeouf outside before tensions escalated. Some patrons intervened to hold him until officers arrived. Several clips shared on social media and by news outlets capture fragments of the incident; the footage contributed to early accounts but does not yet provide a full picture of what led up to the confrontation.
Court proceedings and next steps
LaBeouf appeared virtually before the Magistrate Division of Orleans Parish Criminal Court on Feb. 17. Judge Simone Levine released him on his own recognizance and reminded him to attend future proceedings. The arrest report lists two misdemeanor counts of simple battery, based on complaints from two men. He is scheduled to return to court on March 19 as the case moves through the local magistrate calendar.
Background and context
LaBeouf has family ties to Louisiana and is known to participate in local festivities; several venue staff said he had been on an extended bar crawl during Carnival, with encounters traced back several days. In recent interviews he has discussed struggles with alcohol and efforts toward sobriety. Those personal details, along with widespread cellphone video, have already shaped public discussion of the incident.
Local reaction and broader implications
Reaction among New Orleans patrons and workers was mixed. Some framed his behavior as part of the rowdy Carnival atmosphere; others felt it crossed the line. One bartender told local media she felt the actor had been “terrorizing the city,” while staff at other establishments described routine, uneventful encounters.
The episode highlights how rapidly incidents involving well-known figures can unfold and spread in the age of smartphones. Video shared by bystanders can accelerate investigative leads and shape early narratives, even as law enforcement and courts work to sort facts from partial footage and conflicting eyewitness reports.
What to expect next
Authorities continue to review additional footage and interview witnesses. Prosecutors have indicated the charges will proceed toward the March 19 hearing. Official filings, court records and statements from the parties involved will be the primary sources for verified updates as the matter moves through the legal system. Police have asked anyone with further information or video to contact the New Orleans Police Department.