Shia LaBeouf Ordered to Pay $100,000 Bail and Attend Rehabilitation After Mardi Gras Bar Fight
Actor Shia LaBeouf has been ordered by a New Orleans judge to pay $100,000 bail and attend a rehabilitation programme following his arrest earlier this month for allegedly attacking two bartenders during Mardi Gras celebrations. The 39-year-old star appeared in court on Thursday, where Criminal District Court Judge Simone Levine set the new bail terms and mandated treatment.
Court Hearing and Additional Allegations
During the hearing, Judge Levine noted that additional accusations have been entered into the court record, including claims that LaBeouf used homophobic slurs against one of the alleged victims, Jeffrey Damnit. The judge expressed concern about the potential danger LaBeouf poses to his alleged victims and the wider community, particularly marginalised groups.
LaBeouf was arrested on February 17 after allegedly getting into a brawl with two bartenders in New Orleans. He was initially charged with two counts of simple battery and released on his own recognizance. However, following his release, Damnit requested prosecutors upgrade the charges, accusing LaBeouf of hate crime behaviour.
Drug Testing and Travel Restrictions
In addition to the bail and rehab order, LaBeouf is required to undergo a drug testing programme upon his release. Before the hearing, he took a drug and alcohol test. While his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, insisted the results showed no influence of alcohol or illegal substances, Judge Levine expressed worry that the actor "does not take his alcohol addiction seriously."
The judge also rejected LaBeouf's request to travel outside New Orleans. He is scheduled to return to court on March 19. Chervinsky stated she and her client would provide bond paperwork shortly to keep him out of jail pending the case outcome.
Alleged Incident Details
According to reports, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on February 17 when LaBeouf allegedly knocked Damnit over. Damnit recalled to The Hollywood Reporter that LaBeouf then turned around screaming, "Don't you f***ing push me. I'll kill you," despite Damnit claiming he hadn't touched him.
Damnit said he tried to deescalate the situation, but LaBeouf allegedly shoved a finger in his face and called him a homophobic slur. In a subsequent interview with The Guardian, Damnit, who was wearing mascara, eye shadow, and lipstick at the time, said LaBeouf attacked him while screaming, "You're a f***ing f****t."
Damnit shared a video with the outlet showing LaBeouf being examined by first responders at the scene before glancing over at Damnit and again using a slur. Initial police reports indicated LaBeouf spoke about his Catholic faith and was heard saying, "These f****ts put me in jail."
Background and Support Resources
LaBeouf has been open about his history of alcoholism, having sought treatment and entered rehab several times over the years. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance.
If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, confidential support is available through national helplines and NHS programmes.
