Shia LaBeouf has steered clear of immediate jail time. But the 39‑year‑old actor now faces compulsory rehabilitation and a host of legal conditions after a violent brawl in New Orleans that left two people injured during Mardi Gras festivities.
At a hearing on Feb. 26, a judge set a £80,000 ($100,000) bond and ordered LaBeouf to enter drug and alcohol treatment, submit to regular testing, and avoid contact with the alleged victims. The decision came after prosecutors presented evidence that LaBeouf not only struck two men but also reportedly used homophobic slurs, raising serious safety concerns.
Court Mandates Rehab and Tighter Bail Conditions
During Thursday's hearing, the court took a much stricter approach than when LaBeouf was first arrested on Feb. 17 for hitting two people during Mardi Gras. He had initially been released without having to pay bail. But new claims, including that he used offensive language during the fight, led Judge Simone Levine to cancel that release and set tougher rules.
The Rolling Stone reported that the judge was worried that LaBeouf was not taking his drinking problems seriously and could be a danger to others. She ordered him to enter rehab immediately and take weekly drug tests, even though his first test in court showed no illegal substances.
LaBeouf was also denied permission to travel to Rome for an event, signalling that the court does not trust him to behave properly without supervision.
Details of the Altercation
Police records and video footage obtained during the investigation show that LaBeouf became increasingly aggressive after being asked to leave a bar in the French Quarter. One victim alleged that the actor punched him multiple times, possibly dislocating his nose, while the other suffered injuries after being struck as well.
Officials also noted that homophobic slurs were allegedly used during the clash, a factor that influenced the judge's assessment of risks to public safety, especially for marginalised communities. Judge Levine described the episode as troubling. The judge says it raised questions about LaBeouf's ability to handle his alcohol use responsibly and protect the community from harm.
During the hearing, LaBeouf remained mostly silent, declining to make statements to the press. In a brief exchange after testing, he said: 'No, I won't say a word. God bless you, leave me alone.'
Past Substance Misuse and Abusive Behaviour
LaBeouf's legal troubles are not new. The actor, known for roles in Transformers and Honey Boy, has previously faced arrests and personal struggles tied to substance misuse.
In 2020, he publicly acknowledged periods of sobriety and therapy following allegations of abusive behaviour in a past relationship. More recently, he has been seen in public appearing to socialise heavily, including videos posted during Mardi Gras celebrations where he was spotted interacting with crowds shortly after his initial release.
This recent arrest is part of a series of public legal troubles linked to LaBeouf's personal struggles. The judge's order that he must attend treatment shows the court is focusing more on rehabilitation instead of jail, especially when issues like alcohol use and public safety are involved.
Legal Battle is Not Over
LaBeouf has not been absolved or cleared of the charges yet. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 19, and he has not yet entered a formal plea to the battery charges.
Right now, the court is giving him a chance to follow a rehabilitation programme instead of going to jail immediately. But if he does not stick to the treatment plan or if new evidence comes up, the court could tighten the conditions or even order him to serve time.
