Shia LaBeouf says he’s “scared of gay people” following Mardi Gras arrest

Shia LaBeouf attributed his recent Mardi Gras arrest and anti-LGBTQIA+ rant to his fear of “big gay people”.

On 17 February, the Transformers actor was arrested in New Orleans and charged with simple battery after allegedly assaulting two men at a local bar.

“At approximately 12:45 am on February 17, 2026, NOPD officers were called to the 14000 block of Royal Street in response to a simple battery where two victims (two adult males), reported being assaulted,” police revealed in a statement.

“Investigators say a man, identified as 39-year-old Shia LaBeouf, was reportedly causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive at a Royal Street business. A staff member attempted to eject Mr LaBeouf, who used his closed fists on the victim several times.”

A separate report from The Guardian also alleged that LaBeouf hurled homophobic slurs at the two victims during the alleged altercation and while in police custody.

In a statement to a news outlet, Jeffrey Damnit claimed that the former Disney Channel actor tried to get physical with him while screaming, “you’re a f***ing f***ot.”

The second victim, a queer man named Nathan Thomas Reed, echoed Damnit’s claims, alleging that Disturbia actor was calling him and other people “f***ot”.

On 28 February, LaBeouf publicly addressed the incident and his anti-LGBTQIA+ rant during an appearance on Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan.