Shia LaBeouf Granted Travel to Rome for Father’s Baptism After Initial Denial

Actor Shia LaBeouf has been permitted to travel to Rome from March 1-8 to attend his father’s baptism, days after a court initially denied his request. The decision comes amid legal challenges for LaBeouf following an arrest during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

Legal Background and Initial Denial

LaBeouf was arrested on February 17, 2026, during Mardi Gras, facing two counts of misdemeanor battery following an altercation at a New Orleans bar . Judge Simone Levine initially ordered him to enroll in substance abuse treatment and set a $100,000 bond on February 26, 2026 . His first request to travel to Rome for the baptism, spanning March 1-8, was denied due to the absence of a detailed travel itinerary.

Request Reconsidered and Approved

On March 4, 2026, Magistrate Peter Hamilton reversed the initial decision, granting LaBeouf permission to travel after receiving a detailed itinerary from his attorney, Sarah Chervinsky . Chervinsky indicated in filings that she would share the address where LaBeouf would be staying with the court and prosecutors upon request.

Allegations and Concerns

The case has drawn public scrutiny regarding the treatment of high-profile individuals within the New Orleans criminal justice system. Allegations surfaced that LaBeouf used homophobic slurs during the altercation, prompting calls for hate crime charges . One of the alleged victims identifies as queer, and another dresses in drag, with the latter expressing hope for formal hate crime charges .

LaBeouf’s Statements and Prior Incidents

LaBeouf, in an interview with YouTube outlet Channel 5, referenced his “traditional Catholic” faith and stated that “big gay people are scary” to him . He also claimed the incident occurred after being approached by “three gay dudes [were] next to me, touching my leg” . LaBeouf has a history of prior brushes with the legal system and previous accusations of homophobia.

Bond and Court Orders

Following his arrest, LaBeouf was initially released without bond, an unusual occurrence during Mardi Gras. However, after the allegations of homophobic slurs emerged, a $105,000 bond was required . Judge Levine ordered LaBeouf to stay away from the victims and the bar where the incident took place and expressed concerns about his alcohol addiction .