Shia LaBeouf posts 'free me' after being arrested at Mardi Gras party

Labeouf allegedly struck two men during separate confrontations before bystanders intervened

Shia LaBeouf has broken his silence after being arrested during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, posting a cryptic message on social media that simply read, “Free Me.”

The actor, 39, was taken into custody following an alleged altercation at a local venue during the city’s annual celebrations. According to police reports, LaBeouf was asked to leave the party after becoming increasingly aggressive. The situation escalated outside, where he allegedly struck two men during separate confrontations before bystanders intervened and restrained him until authorities arrived.

LaBeouf was later transported to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before being booked on two counts of simple battery and subsequently released.

His short post — “Free Me” — marked his only public comment following the incident.

Free me

— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) February 18, 2026

The arrest adds to a long history of legal troubles for the actor, who first rose to fame as a child star on Even Stevens before transitioning into blockbuster roles in films like Transformers and Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. In recent years, LaBeouf has faced multiple controversies and legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by musician FKA twigs, which was settled in 2025.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the Mardi Gras incident, and LaBeouf’s representatives have not issued an official statement beyond his brief message.