Doll Hanging Incident Sparks Outrage at New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade

Krewe of Tucks organization condemns racist display and vows investigation

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A disturbing incident occurred during a Krewe of Tucks parade in New Orleans, where a Black doll was seen hanging by the neck from a necklace of beads on a parade float. The incident sparked immediate outrage, with the Krewe of Tucks condemning the behavior as "intolerable" and vowing to investigate and hold the responsible riders accountable. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and City Council President JP Morrell also condemned the display, calling it "deeply offensive" and "unacceptable."

Why it matters

The incident has raised serious concerns about racism and insensitivity during Mardi Gras celebrations, which are meant to be joyous and inclusive events for the entire community, especially families and children. It highlights the need for greater awareness and accountability around harmful imagery and actions that can traumatize and marginalize members of the community.

The details

Videos circulating on social media showed the doll hanging by its neck from a strand of beads as it was held alongside other necklaces waiting to be tossed into the crowd. A young girl caught the doll attached to the beads at the parade, according to a post by the City of New Orleans. The Krewe of Tucks organization condemned the action, stating that the "behavior is intolerable and completely contrary to the beliefs and values that the Krewe of Tucks holds." They vowed to fully investigate the incident and ensure the responsible riders are no longer permitted to participate in the parade.

  • The incident occurred during the Krewe of Tucks parade on February 14, 2026.
  • Mardi Gras day is set to be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Krewe of Tucks

A 2,500-member parade organization that has been part of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans since 1969.

Helena Moreno

The Mayor of New Orleans, who condemned the display as "deeply offensive, unacceptable" and stated that it "has no place in our city."

JP Morrell

The President of the New Orleans City Council, who issued a statement calling the incident an "disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children" and stating that "this isn't acceptable and no one is above accountability."

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What they’re saying

“We intend to fully investigate this incident and the responsible riders will no longer be permitted to have any association with the parade.”

— Krewe of Tucks, Organization (Social media)

“New Orleans is built on respect, diversity, and inclusion and actions that seek to demean or intimidate any member of our community violate the very spirit of who we are.”

— Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans (Social media)

“What is depicted isn't free speech, it's a disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children. This isn't acceptable and no one is above accountability.”

— JP Morrell, New Orleans City Council President (Social media)

What’s next

The Krewe of Tucks organization has stated that they will fully investigate the incident and hold the responsible riders accountable, ensuring they are no longer permitted to participate in the parade.

The takeaway

This incident has highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and accountability during Mardi Gras celebrations, which should be spaces of joy, unity, and respect for the diverse community of New Orleans. It serves as a reminder that harmful and insensitive actions, even if unintentional, can have a deep impact and must be swiftly addressed.