Shia LaBeouf is keeping a noticeably lower profile in New Orleans after a turbulent Mardi Gras week landed him in jail.
Just days after his arrest, the actor was spotted walking alone across several neighborhoods and later visiting Catholic churches as Ash Wednesday approached.
The quiet outings came on the heels of a late-night confrontation that led to criminal charges, drawing fresh attention to LaBeouf’s long and complicated history of public incidents.
Shia LaBeouf Spotted On Lengthy Solo Walk
Shia LaBeouf resurfaced Thursday morning looking casual and subdued.
The 39-year-old actor stepped out in an oversized red San Francisco 49ers shirt paired with black shorts, white socks, and black slides.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, an eyewitness revealed that the “Transformers” star covered roughly 6.4 miles over three hours, trekking from Uptown through Central City and into the Lower Garden District and Irish Channel.
The extended walk appeared deliberate, with the actor making stops along the way, including a home goods store and a Verizon location.
After spending much of the morning on foot, he chose to eat alone at Saj, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant.
The solo lunch followed what has been described as a difficult week for the former Disney Channel star, who had traveled to Louisiana to take part in Mardi Gras celebrations.
LaBeouf Visits Churches After His Arrest
A day before his lengthy walk, Shia LaBeouf was seen visiting two Catholic churches in the city. The visits appeared to coincide with Ash Wednesday observances.
According to a report from Page Six, both St. Francis of Assisi and St. Stephen Catholic Churches were closed when LaBeouf arrived.
Even so, the “Fury” actor was caught on camera outside the locations. Later, he changed outfits, swapping into a pink T-shirt with shorts and sneakers as he continued moving through the city.
The church visits stood in stark contrast to the events that led to his arrest earlier in the week.
LaBeouf has spoken recently about his faith journey, and his appearance at the churches quickly sparked speculation that he may be seeking spiritual grounding after the latest controversy.
Shia LaBeouf Arrested After French Quarter Altercation
The calm outings followed a chaotic early morning arrest. LaBeouf was taken into custody after police responded to a disturbance in the French Quarter.
In an official statement, authorities revealed, “At approximately 12:45 am on February 17, 2026, NOPD officers were called to the 1400 block of Royal Street in response to a simple battery where two victims (two adult males) reported being assaulted.”
Police added that investigators revealed “a man identified as 39-year-old Shia LaBeouf” was reportedly causing trouble and becoming increasingly aggressive at a Royal Street business.
According to the statement, a staff member tried to eject the former child star from the establishment.
However, once he was removed from the building, LaBeouf reportedly struck the victim, using his closed fists multiple times.
LaBeouf Allegedly Returned To The Scene Of The Altercation
Authorities claim the confrontation did not end there. In the same statement, police said the victims reported that after Shia LaBeouf left, he returned to the building, acting even more aggressively.
The statement continued, “Multiple people attempted to hold him down - he was eventually let up in hopes that he would leave - but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victim’s upper body. LaBeouf then reportedly assaulted another person - punching him in the nose.”
Officers say he was restrained until they arrived. LaBeouf was then transported to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before being booked into Orleans Parish Prison.
Upon release from medical care, he was formally charged with two counts of simple battery.
Shia LaBeouf Seen Receiving Medical Treatment
Video later obtained by TMZ showed Shia LaBeouf receiving attention from paramedics outside a bar in the French Quarter following the alleged altercation.
The footage captured him being treated, though details about his injuries were not made public. What led to the confrontation remains unclear.
Witness accounts suggest tensions escalated inside the business before spilling onto the street. LaBeouf had arrived in New Orleans days earlier to participate in Mardi Gras festivities.
Meanwhile, one of the victims of the assault, Jeffrey Damnit, is hoping LaBeouf pays for his actions.
According to a report fromThe Guardian, the victim was in makeup and dressed in drag when LaBeouf allegedly insulted him with a homophobic slur.
“Due to his fame, if he gets away without serious consequence, anyone who looks up to him or even just knows of him will think it is OK to do the same,” Damnit said.
