Modern Orleans – Actor Shia LaBeouf was ordered back to drug and alcohol rehabilitation Thursday after a judge expressed concern over his behavior during and following an arrest on Mardi Gras, setting a $100,000 bond in the process. The charges stem from alleged battery incidents that occurred outside a bar in the French Quarter earlier this month.
The incident has drawn attention not only for LaBeouf’s involvement but also for allegations of homophobic slurs used during the altercation. Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine admonished the actor, stating the episode was a concern for “the safety of this larger community, especially relative to a marginalized community that has gone through so much terror,” referring to the LGBTQ+ community, according to reports from The Associated Press.
Details of the Arrest and Court Appearance
LaBeouf, 39, appeared in court wearing a fleece jacket and jeans tucked into cowboy boots. He agreed to submit to a drug test administered on the spot, which his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, said came back negative. Despite this, Judge Levine ordered weekly drug tests as a condition of his release. The judge’s decision came after learning details from a police report that were not initially available at the time of LaBeouf’s release on bond, the AP reported.
The police report alleges LaBeouf struck multiple people after being asked to depart a bar, and that he used homophobic slurs during the incident. Jeffrey Damnit, a local entertainer identified in the police report as Jeffrey Klein, told the AP that LaBeouf repeatedly punched him and threatened his life, allegedly targeting him because of his appearance. “This guy wants me to be dead because I wear makeup,” Damnit said. The report also indicated that one victim suffered a dislocated nose.
Judge’s Concerns and Conditions of Release
Judge Levine voiced concerns that LaBeouf does not take his alcohol addiction seriously and questioned his ability to refrain from drinking. She ordered him to stay away from the victims and the bar where the alleged assault took place. A request by LaBeouf to travel to Rome in March for “religious observations, including his father’s baptism,” was denied by the judge, who expressed concern about his ability to “handle his alcohol” even as traveling.
Chervinsky argued to the judge that “being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime,” but Judge Levine remained firm in her decision to require LaBeouf to return to rehab. LaBeouf posted the $100,000 bond and declined to comment to reporters, stating, “No, I won’t say a word. God bless you, leave me alone,” as he left the courthouse after taking a drug and alcohol test, according to the AP.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Legal Process
This arrest is not LaBeouf’s first encounter with legal trouble. In February 2026, he was initially released without bond hours after his arrest on Feb. 17, but the judge later revisited the case after reviewing the full police report. Following his initial release, LaBeouf was reportedly seen dancing in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras celebrations.
The actor has not yet formally entered a plea to the two counts of simple battery. His next court date has not been announced, but the case remains active. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction and the potential consequences of alcohol-related incidents, particularly when coupled with allegations of hate speech and violence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
The case involving Shia LaBeouf is expected to progress as the court schedules further hearings and awaits a formal plea. Updates will be provided as they become available.
What are your thoughts on this story? Share your comments below.
