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New Orleans, LA – Actor Shia LaBeouf finds himself in hot water again following a recent drunken brawl in New Orleans, though he’s pushing back on the idea of seeking further treatment for sobriety. The 39-year-old, known for roles in “Megalopolis” and “Holes,” has denied struggling with alcohol abuse, despite a judge’s order for substance abuse treatment and weekly drug testing.
In a candid interview with journalist Andrew Callaghan, LaBeouf acknowledged his “behavior” during the Mardi Gras incident. “My side is this: My behavior, b-.
I got to deal with that,” he stated. However, he expressed reluctance about returning to rehab, saying, “I’m just not into it, bro.
I don’t think my answers are there.”
The events unfolded on February 17 in the city’s French Quarter. Police responded to a report of an assault on Royal Street, where LaBeouf was allegedly “causing a disturbance” at a business.
After being removed, he reportedly returned and became “even more aggressive,” assaulting two men with “closed fists.” He was initially charged with two counts of simple battery, with an additional charge added on Saturday.
LaBeouf was released on $100,000 bond after his initial arrest. A warrant for his second arrest was issued on Friday, leading him to turn himself in on Saturday and post bond again.
Attorney Sarah Chervinsky commented on the situation, stating, “No regular person would be required to post over $100,000 in bonds, and be jailed two separate times for one misdemeanor incident.” She emphasized that while LaBeouf doesn’t deserve preferential treatment, he also shouldn’t be treated more harshly due to his public profile.
During his interview, LaBeouf claimed “1,000%” responsibility for the altercation and described having “a great time” on Mardi Gras. He also confirmed his separation from actress Mia Goth.
The incident report detailed LaBeouf’s alleged actions, including punching one victim multiple times and another in the nose. Authorities stated he was held down until their arrival, treated for unknown injuries, and subsequently arrested. An additional police report identified a local entertainer as one of the alleged victims, claiming LaBeouf threatened his life and used homophobic slurs.
LaBeouf admitted to being drunk and feeling “infringed upon” prior to the incident. He also made a concerning remark about “big gay people are scary to me” and feeling wary of “three gay dudes are next to me, touching my leg.”
He later apologized for the homophobic comment, saying, “I wasn’t in my right mind so it’s on me. I said words not OK.
I’m wrong for what I did.” He concluded, “I am wrong for touching anyone, ever and that’s the end of my statement on this whole s-.”
Despite his legal troubles and a judge’s differing opinion on his habits, LaBeouf maintains, “I don’t think I have a drinking problem.” Instead, he attributes his behavior to a “small man complex,” relating to anger and ego rather than alcohol. Judge Simone Levine, however, alleged that the actor “does not take his alcohol addiction seriously.”
Chervinsky, during a court appearance, asserted that “being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime,” a sentiment echoed by LaBeouf, who simply stated, “I was drunk and it was Mardi Gras.”