Recent Orleans police have issued a third arrest warrant for actor Shia LaBeouf stemming from a February 17th altercation at R Bar in the city’s Marigny neighborhood, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation.
The initial arrest on two counts of simple battery followed accusations that LaBeouf engaged in a physical confrontation with bar staff after being asked to leave, allegedly shouting homophobic slurs during the incident. He was released on his own recognizance at the time. The new warrant, independently verified by a criminal justice source, alleges LaBeouf also battered a third individual.
LaBeouf, 39, appeared in Orleans Criminal District Court on Thursday, February 26th, where Judge Simone Levine set a $100,000 bond and mandated enrollment in a substance abuse treatment program, as well as drug testing. The judge’s decision followed a drug and alcohol test administered in the courtroom, the results of which reportedly raised concerns about LaBeouf’s commitment to sobriety. “Clearly you don’t take your alcohol problems seriously,” Levine stated, according to reports.
The actor posted bond following the hearing and departed the courthouse, evading questions from reporters. His attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, argued during the hearing that numerous other individuals arrested during Mardi Gras for similar offenses had been released on bail, suggesting a disparity in treatment.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on February 17th, during the height of Mardi Gras celebrations. LaBeouf had previously claimed to be sober, attributing past behavioral issues to alcoholism. One of the alleged victims in the initial altercation characterized the confrontation as a hate crime due to the alleged use of a homophobic slur, though the court declined to pursue additional charges related to that claim.
Judge Levine denied LaBeouf’s request to travel to Rome in March to attend his father’s baptism, citing the need for him to remain in New Orleans and comply with the court’s orders.
As of Friday, February 27th, neither New Orleans police nor LaBeouf’s legal representation had responded to requests for comment regarding the newly issued warrant.
