Jeffrey Damnit, a drag artist, has called for hate crime charges against actor Shia LaBeouf after an alleged assault on Mardi Gras morning in New Orleans. Damnit claims LaBeouf punched him and another man while repeatedly using the homophobic slur 'faggot'.
Damnit, who was in drag and makeup at the time, described the incident as 'a complete slap in the face to any alternative-culture person'. He expressed hope that prosecutors would pursue charges under Louisiana's hate crime law, which allows for enhanced penalties based on perceived gender or sexuality.
LaBeouf was arrested on Tuesday after police allege he punched Damnit and Nathan Thomas Reed at the R Bar in the Marigny district. Court documents state LaBeouf also attempted to punch a bar manager who tried to escort him out. Bystanders restrained LaBeouf until police arrived.
When approached for comment by The Guardian, LaBeouf responded with 'Get your ass up out of here, you silly bitch' before shouting 'Yeah – I’m Shia LaBeouf'. He has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery and is scheduled to appear in court on 19 March.
