Shia LaBeouf Arrest: Eyewitness Claims Actor Seemed 'Sad' And 'Empty' After Release From Jail

Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf may be out of jail, but his personal struggles appear to be lingering.

The actor was arrested and briefly detained earlier this week following an altercation during a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. After his release, LaBeouf reportedly returned to Bourbon Street, where eyewitnesses said he appeared somber.

Shia LaBeouf also broke his silence over the issue with a two-word remark on social media that further raised eyebrows about his well-being.

LaBeouf seems to be battling with some inner demons, an eyewitness who saw him after his jail release has claimed.

Adam Araiza, a Bay Area-based music artist who goes by Lil Unda, reported seeing the actor in Bourbon Street with his bodyguards and entourage.

"He seemed sad, lost, and in a dark space," Araiza said in a chat with US Weekly. "He seemed empty. Not agitated, but tired, like he had a long day."

Upon observing LaBeouf's demeanor, Araiza reportedly approached him only to be taken aback by the actor's seemingly distant behavior.

"His responses were short," Araiza said about the 39-year-old, who was "stuck" by a Jesus Saves sign and "observing" the crowd prior to the interaction.

He also noted that LaBeouf looked "very alone" and "in need of support or a good friend."

A second witness confirmed that LaBeouf was "all by himself" on Bourbon Street but offered a different account of the actor's demeanor.

According to Colorado-based realtor Chad Nixon, LaBeouf acted "friendly" when he and his friends approached him later in the day following his release from jail.

Nixon also claimed the actor tried to prank them by joking that "it wasn't him," but still took selfies with them and others who came over to meet him.

He went on to say that LaBeouf was "respectful" throughout the interaction and wasn't concerned about not having bodyguards by his side.

"He was people-watching and trying to enjoy his day," Nixon further revealed to the outlet. "He looked like a normal put-together person."

Following the altercation, LaBeouf was charged with two counts of simple battery and is expected to appear in court in about a month.

At first, the cause of the incident was unclear, but the New Orleans Police Department later stated that the actor was "causing a disturbance" at a local establishment.

According to police, LaBeouf was asked to leave the venue, but the situation escalated after his removal.

He allegedly shouted homophobic slurs, punched two individuals, and may have dislocated one person's nose during the confrontation.

"It is to be noted during the investigation and arrest, the subject used the word f--got" towards both alleged victims "multiple times," read a report from the NOPD.

The doc also revealed that the actor, at one point, dragged his Catholic faith into the fight, saying, "these f--gots put me in jail. I'm a Catholic."

Despite how heated the incident was and the alleged actions surrounding it, LaBeouf appears not to be remorseful.

On Wednesday, February 18, he took to X to post "free me" and did not issue any apologies for his behavior.

The remark from LaBeouf sparked intense reactions from netizens, with some expressing concern and praying for him to have the strength to weather his struggles.

"Whatever you're carrying right now, I hope you find real freedom, the kind that heals the mind, steadies the heart, and lets a person breathe again, Shia," one wrote.

"Shia, you're not alone. You know what to do; you've done it before. Call a good friend… Someone you love… Someone who's been there for you before. Don't listen to the haters or the hate," another user said.

Some also advised LaBeouf to get his act together before it's too late.

"Quit drinking, man. You've had a lot of good things in your life, do not throw them all away on booze," one wrote.

"Do the work, take accountability, try to better yourself and be the best you can be," another user said.

After the arrest incident, several individuals online outrightly criticized LaBeouf for his behavior outside the New Orleans bar.

"I'm so disappointed in you, Shia. Sooo disappointed," a user noted.

However, reports have also stated that the actor's estranged wife, Mia Goth, is very "concerned" about him following his arrest.

Goth and LaBeouf, who reportedly quietly separated early last year, have been riddled with marital issues for years now.

While it's unclear if the actress has officially filed for divorce, a source who spoke to People Magazine revealed that she still "loves" LaBeouf, but "doesn't need him."

"She's very independent," the source noted. "She has her own life, her own career, and her priority is their daughter."