Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf is facing serious allegations of committing a hate crime during a violent outburst at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Transformers star, 39, was arrested earlier this week after allegedly attacking two bartenders just after midnight on Tuesday, but now one victim claims the incident was motivated by homophobia.
Victim Details Alleged Homophobic Attack
Jeffrey Damnit, born Jeffrey Klein, has come forward with disturbing accusations against LaBeouf. Damnit told The Hollywood Reporter that he encountered the actor around 5 p.m. on Monday, hours before viral footage captured LaBeouf fighting on city streets. According to Damnit, LaBeouf knocked him over without provocation, then turned and screamed threats including "I'll kill you."
Damnit attempted to deescalate the situation, but alleges LaBeouf then shoved a finger in his face while shouting homophobic slurs. In a Wednesday interview with The Guardian, Damnit elaborated that he was wearing mascara, eye shadow and lipstick when LaBeouf allegedly attacked him while screaming, "You're a f***ing f****t."
Video Evidence and Police Reports
Damnit shared video evidence with The Guardian showing LaBeouf being examined by first responders at the scene. The footage allegedly captures LaBeouf glancing at Damnit and repeating the homophobic slur. "Keep on calling me f****t," Damnit can be heard saying in the video according to The Guardian's report.
Initial police reports indicate officers heard LaBeouf discussing his Catholic faith and stating, "These f****ts put me in jail." However, these specific allegations about homophobic language directed at victims were notably absent from the official charging paperwork. The New Orleans Police Department has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.
Calls for Hate Crime Charges
Damnit, an actor who visits New Orleans several times annually, has publicly called for prosecutors to upgrade charges against LaBeouf. Speaking to local Fox affiliate WVUE, Damnit stated, "I mean, it's a hate crime, right? You're beating people up because somewhere in your mind their sexuality goes against what you think should get to live."
Under Louisiana law, state prosecutors can file hate crime charges when victims are targeted "because of actual or perceived race, age, gender, sexual orientation." This legal provision could potentially elevate the severity of charges against LaBeouf beyond the current two counts of simple battery.
Legal Proceedings and Public Response
LaBeouf was released from jail on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court on March 19. The controversial actor has not made any public statements addressing the specific allegations against him. However, since his arrest, he has posted cryptic messages on his X account, including one that simply stated, "Free me."
The incident represents another chapter in LaBeouf's troubled public history, which has included multiple previous arrests and controversies. As the legal process unfolds, attention remains focused on whether prosecutors will pursue hate crime enhancements based on Damnit's allegations and the evidence presented.
