Shia LaBeouf Accused of Homophobic Slurs During New Orleans Arrest
Actor Shia LaBeouf allegedly directed homophobic slurs at two men during an arrest in New Orleans on Mardi Gras, according to statements from the victims and police reports. The incident has sparked calls for accountability from Hollywood and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Allegations of Battery and Homophobic Remarks
LaBeouf, 39, was arrested early Tuesday morning on two counts of misdemeanor battery after an altercation at R Bar in the Marigny section of New Orleans. Victims Jeffrey Damnit and Nathan Thomas Reed claim the actor repeatedly used the slur "faggot" during the confrontation.
Damnit, who was dressed in drag for Mardi Gras, shared a cellphone video showing LaBeouf in the back of a vehicle, glancing at him and saying, "Faggot." In an interview, Damnit stated LaBeouf tried to beat him up "while screaming, 'You're a fucking faggot.'"
Reed, who identifies as queer, confirmed via text message that LaBeouf was "calling people faggot," including himself. A police report initially alleged LaBeouf said, "These faggots put me in jail," referencing his Catholic faith, though this detail was omitted from the sworn affidavit submitted to court.
Aftermath and Community Response
Following his release on recognizance, LaBeouf was seen dancing on Bourbon Street with Mardi Gras beads around his neck and his release papers in his mouth. He told reporters, "God bless you, guys – Mardi Gras is amazing," and praised the interesting people he had met.
Damnit expressed disappointment that LaBeouf was "in jail for less time than I slept that night" and hoped the arrest would prompt Screen Actors Guild president Sean Astin to investigate whether it is safe for LaBeouf to work with union members.
Kyle DeVries, president of the New Orleans Pride Center, emphasized the allegations come at a precarious time for the LGBTQ+ community. "When you have someone with celebrity status attacking communities already so under attack, it could give others permission to do the same," DeVries said, calling for Hollywood peers to hold LaBeouf accountable.
Details of the Incident
Police allege LaBeouf became increasingly aggressive at R Bar, with Damnit noting the actor appeared heavily inebriated. Court documents state LaBeouf tried to punch a bar manager being escorted out, then punched Damnit in the nose after being removed. He subsequently returned and punched Reed in the nose, despite Reed saying he did not want to fight.
Damnit claimed LaBeouf also repeatedly threatened to kill him. Bystanders held LaBeouf down until police and paramedics arrived; he was taken to a hospital, discharged, and booked on battery charges.
Legal and Professional Context
LaBeouf's arrest papers list his address as a home in New Orleans' West Riverside neighborhood, reportedly moved to after splitting from his wife, actor and model Mia Goth. The arrest follows reports of unruly behavior in New Orleans leading up to Mardi Gras, as covered by outlets like the Hollywood Reporter.
Five months prior, LaBeouf settled a lawsuit from British singer FKA twigs accusing him of sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress, which he denied. He has previously discussed struggles with sobriety, including court-mandated rehab after a 2017 arrest in Savannah, Georgia.
LaBeouf's next hearing in New Orleans criminal court is tentatively scheduled for March 19. Damnit contended the actor has embarrassed the entertainment industry, stating, "It is embarrassing for me to have a Hollywood actor show up and embarrass the entire entertainment industry."
Criminal defense attorney Michael Kennedy, a friend of Damnit, expressed concern that homophobic slurs were not mentioned in the arrest affidavit or police statements, even with video evidence. "It sends the wrong message that someone famous can come to our celebration and terrorize other attendees without meaningful consequence," said Kennedy, who is gay.
