Shia LaBeouf ‘Clearly on a Self-Destructive Path Again’ Following New Orleans Brawl and Arrest

An allegedly sloshed Shia LaBeouf was back behind bars after a wild Mardi Gras brawl in New Orleans, and now friends fear the actor will die unless he seeks rehab, sources say.

On Tuesday, February 17, the troubled Transformers star, 39, was locked up on two charges of simple battery after the on-the-street smackdown, Page Six reported.

A doorman at local bar Mae’s told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, February 16, that the actor appeared “somewhat belligerent” and had been bounced from a bar when he returned without a shirt — or cash, even though one bartender said the watering hole has at least 50 “Cash Only” signs — and pulled the “Do you know who I am?” card.

The former Disney Channel kid allegedly covered up and tried to pay with a credit card, but was asked to leave after trying to “be a celebrity bartender,” bartender Kyle Catarouch told The Hollywood Reporter. LaBeouf, who’s claimed he’s been sober for years, was also accused of “terrorizing the city,” another bartender, speaking on anonymity, told the outlet.

In the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 17, Shia was kicked out of a Royal Street business, NBC News reported, but “then came back, acting even more aggressive.”

Police said multiple people tried to restrain him and then released him so he could leave, but he hit one “with a closed fist to the upper body,” according to NBC.

“LaBeouf then reportedly assaulted another person — punching him in the nose,” police told NBC. “LaBeouf was again held down until police arrived.” He was taken to a hospital for “unknown injuries” and arrested upon his release.

The next day, a post on LaBeouf’s X account read, “Free me.”

As National Enquirer readers know, this was only the latest embarrassment for the Disturbia star.

Shia’s former girlfriend FKA twigs sued him in 2020 accusing him of “relentless abuse,” including choking her and giving her an STD. At the time, LaBeouf said, “I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt,” NBC reported. The case was settled out of court last year.

In 2017, he made racist remarks at Savannah, Ga., cops who busted him for suspicion of public drunkenness, Associated Press reported. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year’s probation, NBC said.

And in 2014, he was hit with disorderly conduct and harassment for screaming at the cast during a Broadway production, the AP reported.

Rehab may be in order after this latest mishap. “He’s clearly on a self-destructive path again,” says a source. “If he doesn’t get help, he’s going to die.”