It seems the “City That Care Forgot” had a little trouble forgetting Shia LaBeouf this week. The Transformers star found himself at the centre of a rather intense scuffle in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Newly released footage has shed light on the events leading up to LaBeouf’s arrest on 17 February 2026. If you thought the initial reports of a “disagreement” sounded a bit mild, the video evidence suggests something significantly more chaotic.
The Midnight Scuffle on Royal Street
The drama reportedly kicked off just after midnight on the 1400 block of Royal Street. According to eyewitnesses and police statements, the 39-year-old actor was escorted out of a local establishment by staff after he allegedly became increasingly aggressive. However, rather than calling it a night and finding a quiet spot for some gumbo, LaBeouf reportedly looped back to the front of the venue.
This is where the footage gets messy. A clip shared by TMZ shows a shirtless LaBeouf struggling to find his footing after being knocked to the ground. In the video, another man can be heard warning the actor accompanied by some rather colourful language. It wasn’t just a one-sided affair, though; police allege that LaBeouf struck two men with closed fists during the altercation, including one individual who was allegedly punched in the nose.
EXCLUSIVE: Shia LaBeouf gets beat up in a Mardi Gras fight. https://t.co/Yd56zO4Gcc pic.twitter.com/j2TC8okzOR
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 17, 2026
A Pattern of Public Outbursts
For those who have followed LaBeouf’s career, this headline might feel a touch familiar. The actor has a well-documented history of public incidents, ranging from his 2017 arrest for public intoxication in Georgia to a rather infamous 2014 outburst during a Broadway performance of Cabaret.
In the past, LaBeouf has been refreshingly candid about his battles with addiction and mental health, often linking his substance abuse to untreated childhood trauma and PTSD. While he had previously entered court-mandated rehabilitation, this latest incident suggests the road to recovery remains a rocky one.
The Mardi Gras melee eventually ended when several bystanders and the victims themselves managed to restrain LaBeouf until the New Orleans Police Department arrived. Before being hauled off to the station, the actor was seen receiving medical attention inside an ambulance. Despite the intensity of the brawl captured on film, reports suggest he did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.
LaBeouf now faces two misdemeanor charges of simple battery. Records indicate he was scheduled for a magistrate court appearance shortly after the incident.
What’s Next for Shia?
It is a shame to see a talent of his calibre, the man who gave us Honey Boy and The Peanut Butter Falcon, back in the headlines for his off-screen behaviour. Just hours before the fight, he was spotted enjoying the Lundi Gras festivities and dancing in the streets. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly a celebration can sour.
