Shia LaBeouf has addressed his recent arrest in New Orleans with a succinct message posted to social media: “Free me.” The post, made early Wednesday morning, marks the actor’s first activity on the platform since December 2025, when he shared an image of a large back tattoo depicting his and former partner Mia Goth’s 3-year-old daughter, Isabel. The arrest, stemming from an alleged altercation during Mardi Gras celebrations, has once again thrust the actor into the spotlight, alongside renewed scrutiny of his personal life.
LaBeouf, 39, was taken into custody on February 17, 2026, and charged with two counts of simple battery, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Officers responded to reports of a disturbance on Royal Street in the French Quarter shortly before 1:00 am. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, but authorities have stated that LaBeouf allegedly became “increasingly aggressive,” striking two individuals. He was treated at a hospital for unspecified injuries before being released on his own recognizance pending further legal proceedings.
The arrest coincides with reports that LaBeouf and Mia Goth, 32, had quietly separated nearly a year prior. Sources indicate the couple had been living separate lives since early 2025, with LaBeouf reportedly relocating to Louisiana to be closer to family. It remains unclear whether a formal divorce has been filed.
Following his court appearance, LaBeouf seemingly rejoined the Mardi Gras festivities. Reports from the Daily Mail detail a two-mile walk to the parade route, a change of clothes purchased at VooDoo Mart, and later, the actor drinking beer alongside the crowds. However, accounts also emerged of disruptive behavior. Employees at several bars told The Hollywood Reporter that LaBeouf had been “terrorising” the city in the days leading up to his arrest. Footage circulating online also appeared to indicate LaBeouf being involved in a physical altercation and receiving medical attention.
A History of Public Scrutiny
LaBeouf’s career has been marked by both critical acclaim and public controversy. He rose to fame as a child star on Disney Channel’s Even Stevens before transitioning to roles in films like Holes and the Transformers franchise. In recent years, he has increasingly focused on independent projects, stage perform, and performance art, often alongside publicly addressing personal struggles, including past issues with sobriety. He has previously spoken about his challenges with maintaining sobriety, a topic that resurfaces with each new incident.
The actor’s relationship with Mia Goth began in 2012, when they met on the set of Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. The pair married in a Las Vegas ceremony in 2016, which was livestreamed on TMZ. Their relationship has been described as tumultuous, with a previous split confirmed in 2018. They later reconciled in 2020, briefly rekindling their marriage before their recent, quiet separation.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no further statements have been issued by LaBeouf beyond his social media post. The legal proceedings related to his arrest are ongoing, and the circumstances surrounding the altercation remain under investigation. The incident has once again brought attention to the actor’s personal struggles and the complexities of his public image.
The coming weeks will likely reveal further details regarding the charges against LaBeouf and the status of his legal representation. The situation also raises questions about the actor’s well-being and the potential for continued support as he navigates these challenges. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below.
