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Shia LaBeouf Ordered to Treatment Following Mardi Gras Melee in New Orleans
New Orleans, LA – Actor Shia LaBeouf’s recent Mardi Gras antics in the Big Easy have landed him more than just a hangover. A New Orleans judge has ordered the “Transformers” star to undergo substance abuse treatment and weekly drug testing after his arrest earlier this month on suspicion of assaulting two men in the French Quarter.
Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Simone Levine issued the order on Thursday, expressing serious concerns about LaBeouf’s behavior during the festive period. LaBeouf, 39, faces two counts of simple battery. While his attorney stated a drug test taken during his court appearance showed no illegal substances, Judge Levine was critical of the actor’s alleged actions, which reportedly included striking two men at a bar and yelling homophobic slurs.
“The safety of this larger community is paramount,” Judge Levine stated, adding that LaBeouf “does not take his alcohol addiction seriously.”
LaBeouf has agreed to the updated terms of his release, which include a $100,000 bond. He has yet to formally enter a plea to the charges.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, officers responded to a disturbance on the 1400 block of Royal Street, where LaBeouf was reportedly “causing a disturbance” at a business. After being removed, he allegedly returned “acting even more aggressive,” using “closed fists” to strike one of the victims multiple times. Police reports indicate that LaBeouf then assaulted the same man again and punched a second man in the nose.
Authorities said that LaBeouf was held down by bystanders until police arrived. He was transported to a hospital for undisclosed injuries before being arrested and charged upon his release. An additional police report identified a local entertainer as one of the alleged victims, claiming LaBeouf threatened his life and shouted homophobic slurs.
Judge Levine has also mandated that LaBeouf refrain from contacting the two alleged victims and from visiting the bar where the altercation took place. His requests for travel have also been denied.
Following news of his arrest and the brawl, LaBeouf posted a brief statement on social media, simply tweeting: “Free me.” This incident adds to a history of legal troubles and arrests for the actor, who first gained fame as a child star on Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens.”