Feb. 18, 2026, 1:07 pm ET
Shia LaBeouf is speaking out after being arrested in New Orleans over an alleged altercation amid Mardi Gras celebrations in the city.
The “Transformers” actor, 39, who has been charged with two counts of simple battery, took to X Wednesday, Feb. 18, to post a simple message reading: “Free me.”
The controversial actor and former child star was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a pair of alleged assaults, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY. According to police, officers were called at approximately 12:45 a.m. after two men reported being assaulted. Investigators said LaBeouf was “causing a disturbance and becoming increasing[ly] aggressive” at a nearby business.
The “Megalopolis” star was later taken to a hospital for “treatment of unknown injuries,” police added. LaBeouf’s arrest followed his alleged disorderly conduct at a local business, which caused a staff member to attempt to remove the actor from the establishment, authorities say. After he was removed, LaBeouf reportedly struck a man in the vicinity, using his closed fists on the victim several times.
LaBeouf then briefly left the area, per police, but returned later and began acting “even more aggressive.” While several bystanders attempted to hold him down, he allegedly struck the same man a second time, also with closed fists, in the victim’s upper body.
Additionally, the actor is accused of assaulting another man by punching him in the nose, police say.
This is not the actor’s first run-in with the law: The “Transformers” star has been charged with multiple instances of disorderly conduct and physical assault over the years.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
