Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans after allegedly attacking two men, one of whom identifies as queer and the other who was dressed in drag. The victims reported that LaBeouf directed multiple homophobic slurs towards them during the incident. Specifically, Jeffrey Damnit, who was visibly wearing makeup at the time, claimed LaBeouf began the altercation while shouting derogatory terms, which he captured in a cellphone video that reports the incident.

The altercation took place early Tuesday morning at a bar where the two men were targeted by the actor. Witnesses and the victims provided statements to the New Orleans police describing how LaBeouf’s aggressive behavior escalated into a physical confrontation. Damnit expressed in interviews that the derogatory language used by LaBeouf was deeply offensive, showing not only the actor’s apparent discomfort with queer identities but also the broader issues of homophobia and violence that LGBTQ+ individuals often face in public spaces.

Following the arrest, both victims have come forward to emphasize the importance of addressing such behavior and have made it clear they do not wish to be silenced. Nathan Thomas Reed, another victim, confirmed the accounts of the episode and stated his desire for others to be aware of LaBeouf's use of homophobic slurs during the incident, underlining the need for accountability for public figures in their actions towards marginalized communities.