Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf has been ordered by a New Orleans judge to seek substance abuse treatment and undergo drug testing as part of his bail conditions. This follows his arrest on 17 February for allegedly assaulting two men outside a bar in the city.
Court Imposes Strict Bail Conditions
Judge Simone Levine of the New Orleans criminal court imposed the requirements during a hearing on Thursday. LaBeouf, 39, must now enroll in a substance abuse treatment program, submit to regular drug testing, and post a $100,000 bond to remain out of custody while his case is pending.
The judge expressed concern about LaBeouf's approach to his alcohol addiction, despite a recent test showing no illegal substances in his system. "The test result left me concerned that LaBeouf does not take his alcohol addiction seriously," Levine stated in court.
Allegations of Homophobic Slurs
The case took a more serious turn when allegations emerged that LaBeouf had directed homophobic slurs at his alleged victims during the incident. According to police reports, LaBeouf repeatedly called both men "faggot" during the altercation.
One of the alleged victims, 49-year-old Jeffrey Damnit, has called for prosecutors to charge LaBeouf under Louisiana's hate crime law, which allows for enhanced penalties when crimes are motivated by prejudice against certain protected categories including gender and sexual orientation.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The incident occurred at approximately 12:45am on 17 February at the R Bar in New Orleans' Marigny neighborhood, just hours before the city's Mardi Gras celebrations began. According to court documents, LaBeouf became increasingly aggressive inside the establishment.
When bar staff attempted to remove him, LaBeouf allegedly tried to punch the bar manager. Once outside, he reportedly punched Damnit in the upper body. LaBeouf later returned and allegedly punched 34-year-old Nathan Thomas Reed in the nose, despite Reed indicating he did not want to fight.
Bystanders eventually restrained LaBeouf until police and paramedics arrived at the scene. Cellphone footage reviewed by media outlets reportedly shows LaBeouf directing homophobic slurs at Damnit during the confrontation.
Post-Arrest Behavior Raises Concerns
Following his initial release from custody without bond requirements, LaBeouf was seen celebrating on Bourbon Street with Mardi Gras beads around his neck, dancing with his jail paperwork in his mouth. Days later, he was photographed at a New Orleans nightclub dancing and kissing an unidentified woman.
This behavior prompted Judge Levine to reconsider the initial lenient release conditions. "At the time LaBeouf was let out, the allegations of homophobic comments attributed to him had not yet become part of the official court record," the judge explained during Thursday's hearing.
Legal Representation and Previous Incidents
LaBeouf appeared in court with prominent New Orleans criminal defense attorney Sarah Chervinsky, who indicated they would promptly provide the necessary bond paperwork. The judge has temporarily denied LaBeouf permission to travel outside New Orleans while the case proceeds.
This is not LaBeouf's first encounter with legal trouble. In 2014, during an arrest for disrupting a Broadway show in New York City, he was accused of using the homophobic slur "fag" against a police officer. In 2017, a disorderly conduct arrest in Savannah, Georgia, resulted in court-mandated rehabilitation.
The actor, best known for his roles in the Transformer film franchise and Disney's Even Stevens television show, has been open about his struggles with sobriety in the past. He is next due in court on 19 March for further proceedings in the case.
When approached at his New Orleans residence by a journalist seeking comment on the allegations, LaBeouf responded aggressively, telling the reporter to "Get your ass up out of here, you silly bitch" before proclaiming "I'm Shia LaBeouf."
