Shia LaBeouf spent much of Carnival week in New Orleans, making the rounds between Uptown dives and French Quarter bars, eliciting a mixed response from both staff and patrons. His outings coincided with the lead-up to Fat Tuesday, culminating in a lively appearance on Monday afternoon.
Witnesses detailed LaBeouf’s journey across various neighborhood hotspots starting Thursday and continuing through Fat Monday and early Sunday night. At a well-known dive situated at the intersection of Napoleon and Magazine, staff noted that the actor’s evening began peacefully but turned rowdy by late Sunday, when a doorman reported LaBeouf arriving shirtless and a bit belligerent after several hours of festivities. After being asked to put his shirt back on, he exited the venue without any incident.
LaBeouf’s presence was felt throughout the parade routes and in the vibrant ambiance of the French Quarter. At a jazz cigar bar, he stood out for being somewhat louder than the usual crowd and even attempted to direct an actor in the audience. At a bar on St. Charles Avenue, he caused a stir by trying to take on the role of a bartender, prompting staff to intervene.
On Fat Monday, LaBeouf fully embraced the Carnival spirit, arriving solo in the afternoon sporting an eye-catching red top hat and layered attire while carrying a beer. Many saw him as animated and approachable, snapping photos with patrons and dancing amidst the festive parades. However, not all interactions were as positive; one bartender voiced frustration, claiming his behavior felt disruptive and termed him “terrorizing the city,” while another noted his confusion over payment methods in cash-only locations.
The actor’s extended public appearances also reignited discussions about his previous struggles with sobriety and behavior. Despite displaying an energetic and sometimes inebriated demeanor, many patrons recognized him and enjoyed the interaction, showcasing the vibrant and unpredictable nature of New Orleans during Carnival.
Sources indicate that LaBeouf resided in a luxury short-term rental in Uptown, which played host to numerous Carnival processions. His solo outings attracted attention, leading to many requesting photos, though some encounters prompted intervention by bar staff to keep order.
Though his presence was met with both amusement and concern from locals—with perspectives ranging from cherished Mardi Gras memories to worry over more serious issues—the actor’s visit has become yet another chapter in New Orleans’ rich tapestry of celebrity sightings during this festive season. As Fat Tuesday drew to a close, LaBeouf’s presence reflected the dual nature of celebrity culture, enhancing the celebration while simultaneously stirring complex feelings within the community.