Shia LaBeouf's Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans escalated into violence early on February 17, 2026, leading to his arrest for two counts of simple battery. The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that LaBeouf was taken into custody around 12:45 AM after allegedly assaulting two men, one of whom identified as queer. Eyewitnesses reported that LaBeouf struck one victim multiple times and hurled homophobic slurs at both men, including the phrase, 'You’re a fucking faggot,' according to victim Jeffrey Damnit. This incident occurred outside the Royal Street Inn and Bar, where LaBeouf was described as increasingly aggressive during the festivities (Daily Times, The Guardian). Following the altercation, he was treated for unspecified injuries at a local hospital before being arrested.