Shia LaBeouf was ordered to undergo weekly drug testing and stay away from victims and the Royal Street Inn & R Bar after appearing in Orleans Parish Criminal Court on Thursday, facing battery charges and accusations of using homophobic slurs during a Mardi Gras altercation.
Judge Simone Levine expressed concern over LaBeouf’s potential alcohol addiction and questioned whether he understood the gravity of the allegations, according to reports from the hearing. The judge initially released LaBeouf without bail on February 17, but stated she did not have access to the police report detailing the alleged use of slurs at the time.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 12:45 a.m. On February 18, 2026, near the French Quarter. Police allege LaBeouf struck multiple people with a closed fist after becoming “irate and aggressive” throughout the night. One victim reportedly suffered a dislocated nose.
Jeffrey Damnit, a local entertainer identified in the police report, previously told the Associated Press that LaBeouf repeatedly punched him and directed homophobic slurs toward him, allegedly motivated by Damnit’s appearance in makeup, and eyeliner. “This guy wants me to be dead because I wear craft-up,” Damnit said.
Videos of the incident have surfaced, appearing to show LaBeouf striking several individuals. Following his initial arrest, LaBeouf was released from custody and was seen dancing in the streets during Mardi Gras celebrations.
During Thursday’s hearing, Judge Levine denied LaBeouf’s request to travel to Rome in March for “religious observations, including his father’s baptism,” citing concerns about his ability to abstain from alcohol. LaBeouf’s lawyer, Sarah Chervinsky, argued that being intoxicated during Mardi Gras was not a crime.
LaBeouf, 39, submitted to a drug test in the courthouse, which his lawyer said came back negative. He declined to comment to reporters, stating only, “No, I won’t say a word. God bless you, leave me alone.” He has not yet entered a formal plea to the charges.
Judge Levine’s order requires LaBeouf to avoid contact with the victims and the location of the alleged assault. The court also expressed concern for “the safety of this larger community, especially relative to a marginalised community that has gone through so much terror,” referring to the LGBT+ community.
