Mother Says Racist Parade Incident in New Orleans "Took Away My Child’s Innocence"

​Mardi Gras is one of the biggest celebrations in New Orleans, known for its spectacular parades, vibrant costumes, and deep-rooted traditions.

​However, during a Krewe of Tucks parade on February 14, a disturbing incident occurred when a Black doll was seen hanging by the neck from a strand of Mardi Gras beads. Videos circulating on social media showed the doll dangling on the side of a float, attached to beads and necklaces.

​When it was later tossed to the paradegoers along with other throws, a 7-year-old girl caught it.

“It really just hurt that her innocence was taken away because I had to expose her to a darker side of racism and tell her why she wasn’t allowed to play with it,” mother Shayna Lee said in an interview with CBS affiliate WWL.

​“She didn’t understand why she couldn’t have it. And that’s not a conversation to be having with a 7-year-old,” Dad George Lee added in a separate interview with The Times-Picayune.

Mayor Helena Moreno and the New Orleans City Council welcomed the family who caught the racist throw during the Tucks parade to watch the festivities from Gallier Hall.

​“We wanted to ensure that the visiting family sees the true spirit of New Orleans. The hateful symbolism of that throw does not represent who we are!” The City of New Orleans said on social media.

Moreno said in a statement that the display is “deeply offensive” and “unacceptable”. She said the display has “no place in our city”, adding that New Orleans is built on respect, diversity, and inclusion, and that actions meant to demean or intimidate members of the community violate the city’s core values.

“Our celebrations, particularly those where our children and families attend, should be spaces of joy and unity, not exposure to hateful or harmful imagery,” she said.

Moreno said she contacted Krewe of Tucks' leadership to identify those responsible and ensure full accountability.

The Krewe of Tucks condemned the offensive display in an official social media statement. “This behavior is intolerable and completely contrary to the beliefs and values that the Krewe of Tucks holds,” the statement said.

Tucks added that it “quickly” identified the riders involved and that “their membership has been swiftly and permanently terminated,” according to a report on People.

The organization said that if the incident had been reported during the parade, it would have been addressed immediately.

“Since its inception, the Krewe of Tucks has been one of the most diverse parades in Mardi Gras. We are offended by this behavior, and it will not be tolerated. We apologize for this racist display during our parade,” the statement said.