Shia LaBeouf Arrested in New Orleans During Mardi Gras; Posts 'Free Me'
Actor arrested Feb. 17 on two counts of simple battery after alleged bar fights in New Orleans; he posted 'Free me' on X on Feb. 18 and is due back in court March 19.
Overview
Shia LaBeouf posted 'Free me' on X on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Police said officers were called at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 after two men reported being assaulted amid Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
LaBeouf was charged with two counts of simple battery and was taken to a hospital for treatment of unknown injuries, police said.
Police alleged LaBeouf, 39, struck one man multiple times with closed fists, returned and struck him again, and punched another man in the nose.
LaBeouf is scheduled to return to court on March 19 on two counts of simple battery.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame LaBeouf's arrest as part of a broader pattern of troubling behavior by emphasizing police reports and past allegations. Editorial choices — terms like "controversial," selection of previous abuse claims, and sequencing that foregrounds allegations while giving minimal actor defense — collectively tilt coverage toward a negative narrative.
Sources (8)
FAQ
LaBeouf was causing a disturbance at a business on the 1400 block of Royal Street in New Orleans' French Quarter during Mardi Gras. He allegedly struck one man multiple times with closed fists, returned aggressively, assaulted the same man again, and punched another man in the nose before being subdued.
He was charged with two counts of simple battery for allegedly assaulting two men.
He is due back in court on March 19.
He posted 'Free me' on X on February 18.
TMZ published bystander video showing multiple men standing over a shirtless LaBeouf on the street, one man punching him as he tried to stand, and others telling them to chill before holding him down.
History
5 sources