Lead
New Orleans police on Friday obtained a fresh arrest warrant naming actor Shia LaBeouf, 39, in a battery investigation that had already resulted in two counts. The additional warrant raises the number of alleged victims to three and follows LaBeouf’s booking on 17 February after an incident near the R Bar in the Marigny district at about 12:45 a.m. During a subsequent court hearing, Judge Simone Levine set bond at $100,000 and ordered drug testing and substance-abuse treatment, citing concern about his alcohol use.
Key Takeaways
- Police obtained a new warrant on Friday that adds a third alleged battery victim in the New Orleans case involving Shia LaBeouf, now 39.
- LaBeouf was initially arrested and booked on 17 February on two counts of simple battery after an incident at about 12:45 a.m. at the R Bar in the Marigny neighborhood.
- He was released on his own recognizance after that arrest and was later seen on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras.
- At a court appearance the day before the new warrant, Judge Simone Levine set a $100,000 bond and ordered drug and alcohol testing plus enrollment in substance-abuse treatment.
- The actor took a drug and alcohol test at the courthouse; the judge said the result raised concerns about his approach to alcohol dependence.
- LaBeouf posted bond and left the courthouse, running past reporters after the hearing.
- New Orleans police and LaBeouf’s attorney did not immediately provide comment on the new warrant when contacted.
Background
The matter began with an incident on 17 February in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras festivities, when court records say LaBeouf was booked on two counts of simple battery after an altercation at the R Bar in the Marigny neighborhood. According to reporting from local partners, officers were called after an alleged confrontation at about 12:45 a.m., a peak hour for nightlife in that area.
LaBeouf, a film actor who is identified in court filings as a New Orleans resident, was released without posting monetary bond following the initial booking. That practice—release on one’s own recognizance—occurs when judges or arresting agencies determine the defendant is likely to appear at future proceedings or does not pose a specified public-safety risk.
Main Event
On Thursday, LaBeouf appeared in New Orleans criminal district court for a hearing on the two initial battery counts. Judge Simone Levine set bond at $100,000 and ordered him to submit to drug testing and enter substance-abuse treatment, signaling judicial concern about possible addiction issues after reviewing test results at the courthouse.
The next day, local authorities secured an additional warrant alleging LaBeouf committed simple battery against a third person. Multiple local sources reported the new warrant to media partners; The Guardian independently confirmed the warrant with a criminal-justice source having direct knowledge of the matter.
Police reports and court records state the earlier incident involved allegations that LaBeouf shouted homophobic slurs and struck multiple people. The arrest occurred during Mardi Gras night and later the same day he was observed on Bourbon Street, a major parade and tourist route in New Orleans.
Following the Thursday hearing, LaBeouf posted the $100,000 bond and departed the courthouse, running past reporters. New Orleans police and the actor’s counsel did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the newest warrant.
Analysis & Implications
The addition of a third alleged victim raises the potential scope of criminal exposure for LaBeouf. Each simple-battery count in Louisiana can carry criminal penalties that depend on injury severity and prior record; adding a count typically changes prosecutorial strategy and may affect bail conditions or diversion options like treatment programs.
Judge Levine’s emphasis on substance-abuse testing and treatment suggests the court may consider rehabilitation measures alongside conventional prosecution. Ordering testing and treatment at an early stage is consistent with judicial efforts to address underlying substance issues that can correlate with repeat incidents in public settings.
The timing—during Mardi Gras—complicates public perception and prosecutorial logistics. High-profile incidents at large events draw rapid media attention, which can pressure authorities to act swiftly while still requiring that investigations meet evidentiary standards for formal charges.
Externally, the case may have reputational and commercial implications for LaBeouf. High-profile criminal matters can affect professional opportunities, union standing, and public partnerships. Courts, however, must balance those consequences against the defendant’s legal rights and the necessity of proving charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Comparison & Data
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Initial booking | 17 February 2026 | Booked on two counts of simple battery after alleged incident at 12:45 a.m. near R Bar, Marigny |
| Court hearing | Thursday, 26 February 2026 | Judge set $100,000 bond; ordered drug test and substance-abuse treatment |
| New warrant issued | Friday, 27 February 2026 | Alleges simple battery on a third person, increasing alleged victims to three |
The table above summarizes official milestones reported in court records and local reporting. The progression from two initial counts to an added warrant in roughly 10 days highlights how investigations can evolve as officers and prosecutors gather more witness statements and evidence.
Reactions & Quotes
“The test result left the court concerned that he does not take his alcohol addiction seriously.”
Judge Simone Levine (court hearing)
“Multiple local sources reported that the newly issued warrant names a third alleged victim in the incident.”
WWL Louisiana (local reporting partner)
“The Guardian independently verified the existence of the additional warrant with a criminal justice source with direct knowledge.”
The Guardian (national media)
Unconfirmed
- No publicly available court record in the reporting specifies the identity or injuries of the third alleged victim; details remain unconfirmed.
- The precise findings of the courthouse drug and alcohol test were not disclosed by the judge; the exact substances or levels have not been made public.
- There is no available public statement from New Orleans police or LaBeouf’s attorney confirming the specifics of the new warrant at the time of reporting.
Bottom Line
The additional warrant marks a clear escalation: prosecutors now have—or believe they have—sufficient information to allege that a third person was battered, which broadens the legal exposure LaBeouf faces. The court’s focus on substance-abuse testing and treatment underscores that judges may weigh rehabilitation alongside prosecution when substance use appears linked to alleged misconduct.
Going forward, the case will hinge on evidence from witnesses, any physical or video records, and how prosecutors decide to proceed with the expanded allegations. Observers should expect further filings and possible amendments to charges as investigators consolidate statements and prosecutors evaluate the new warrant.
Sources
- The Guardian — national news reporting (independent verification and summary)
- WWL Louisiana — local news partner (initial local reporting cited by other outlets)
- Orleans Parish official sites — local government/court resources (context on court procedures)