Shia LaBeouf Allegedly Hurled Homophobic Slurs in New Orleans Arrest

Shia LaBeouf's Mardi Gras arrest in New Orleans is now shadowed by allegations he hurled homophobic slurs at the men he's accused of battering, the Guardian reports. Drag performer Jeffrey Damnit says LaBeouf tried to attack him at a bar while repeatedly using the homophobic f-slur against him, and shared video showing LaBeouf in the back of a vehicle using the slur again. The other alleged victim, Nathan Thomas Reed, who identifies as queer, says LaBeouf directed the same word at him. LaBeouf, 39, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of simple battery after an incident at R Bar in the Marigny neighborhood and released on his own recognizance that afternoon.

A preliminary police report reviewed by the Guardian states LaBeouf said, "These f-----s put me in jail—I'm a Catholic," though that language did not appear in the sworn statement filed in court. Advocates, including the head of the New Orleans Pride Center, say the accusations land at a tense moment for LGBTQ+ communities and urge Hollywood to hold LaBeouf accountable if the claims are substantiated. Prosecutors could consider hate crime enhancements under Louisiana law, though it's unclear if they will. Damnit tells Fox 8 Live he believes they should. LaBeouf's reps have not commented; his next court date is set for March 19.