New Orleans Judge Mandates Actor Shia LaBeouf Return to Rehabilitation Program and Posts Substantial Bond
In a significant legal development, a New Orleans judge has ordered actor Shia LaBeouf to resume participation in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program while imposing a $100,000 bond. This decision came during a court hearing on Thursday, where the film star faced two counts of battery related to an alleged assault outside a bar during the recent Mardi Gras celebrations.
Courtroom Proceedings and Judicial Admonishments
LaBeouf, aged 39, appeared in Orleans Parish Criminal Court dressed in a fleece jacket and jeans tucked into cowboy boots. Judge Simone Levine issued stern warnings to the actor, referencing allegations that he yelled homophobic slurs while physically attacking multiple individuals near the French Quarter. According to police reports, the altercation resulted in one victim sustaining a dislocated nose.
The judge mandated that LaBeouf undergo weekly drug testing, including an immediate test conducted within the courthouse. LaBeouf complied with this requirement, and his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, reported that the test did not detect any illegal substances in his system at that time.
Community Safety Concerns and Judicial Reasoning
Judge Levine expressed deep concern about the incident's impact on community safety, particularly for marginalized groups. She specifically referenced the LGBTQ+ community, stating that the episode represented a serious threat to "the safety of this larger community, especially relative to a marginalized community that has gone through so much terror."
The judge criticized LaBeouf's approach to his alcohol addiction, remarking, "This defendant does not take his alcohol addiction seriously. This court does not believe he understands the level of seriousness when it comes to these allegations." During the hearing, Levine questioned whether LaBeouf "could handle his alcohol," highlighting ongoing concerns about his behavior.
Victim Accounts and Incident Details
Jeffrey Damnit, identified in police reports as Jeffrey Klein and described as a local entertainer, provided detailed accounts to The Associated Press. Damnit alleged that LaBeouf repeatedly punched him while using homophobic slurs and issuing death threats. He believed he was targeted specifically because of his appearance, which included makeup and eyeliner.
"This guy wants me to be dead because I wear makeup," Damnit stated. "It's a screwed-up thing." Police reports indicate that the incident occurred after LaBeouf was asked to leave a bar and subsequently returned, allegedly using homophobic language while striking people with a closed fist. Multiple videos of the altercations have surfaced showing LaBeouf hitting several individuals.
Legal Restrictions and Travel Denial
Judge Levine imposed several additional restrictions on LaBeouf, including orders to stay away from the victims and the bar where the incident occurred. She also denied a request from LaBeouf to travel to Rome in March for what his attorney described as "religious observations, including his father's baptism."
The judge revealed that when she initially released LaBeouf without bond shortly after his February 17 arrest, she had not yet reviewed police reports detailing the homophobic language allegations. Following his release, LaBeouf was reportedly seen dancing in the French Quarter streets during Mardi Gras festivities.
Defense Arguments and Defendant's Response
LaBeouf's attorney argued during the hearing that "being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime," attempting to contextualize the behavior within the festival atmosphere. However, the judge maintained that the alleged actions crossed legal boundaries and demonstrated concerning patterns.
LaBeouf posted the required bond and declined to comment to reporters, stating in a court hallway, "No, I won't say a word. God bless you, leave me alone." He has not yet formally entered a plea to the battery charges, leaving the legal proceedings ongoing.
