New Orleans Officials Condemn Racist Display at Carnival Parade

Authorities investigate 'horrific hate crime' involving dolls hung by their necks on parade float

Feb. 19, 2026 at 8:39am

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New Orleans authorities and the Louisiana Attorney General are investigating a racist display that occurred during the Krewe of Tucks parade on February 14th, where an individual on a parade float was seen holding dolls hanging by their necks. The incident has been widely condemned by city and state leaders as a 'horrific hate crime' that has no place in the city's inclusive Carnival celebrations.

Why it matters

The racist display at the Krewe of Tucks parade has sparked outrage in New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant and inclusive Carnival celebrations. Officials have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and take appropriate action, as such hateful imagery targeting the Black community has no place in the city's festivities.

The details

Footage and images circulated showing an individual on a parade float holding what appeared to be two Black Barbie-like dolls hanging by their necks. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno condemned the display as 'deeply offensive' and 'unacceptable', stating that it violates the city's values of respect, diversity and inclusion. Councilman JP Morrell characterized the dolls as a 'disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children'. The Louisiana Attorney General has launched an investigation into the incident, calling the dolls a 'disgusting, vulgar, racist image'.

  • The incident occurred during the Krewe of Tucks parade on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Helena Moreno

The Mayor of New Orleans, who condemned the racist display as 'deeply offensive' and 'unacceptable'.

JP Morrell

A New Orleans City Councilman who characterized the dolls as a 'disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children'.

Liz Murrill

The Louisiana Attorney General, who announced an investigation into the incident and called the dolls a 'disgusting, vulgar, racist image'.

Krewe of Tucks

The social group or club participating in the Carnival parade, which issued an apology and confirmed that two of its members had their membership permanently terminated due to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Let me be clear: the display is deeply offensive, unacceptable and has no place in our city. New Orleans is built on respect, diversity and inclusion. Actions that seek to demean or intimidate any member of our community violate the very spirit of who we are. Our celebrations, particularly those where our children and families attend, should be spaces of joy and unity, not exposure to hateful or harmful imagery.”

— Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans (Instagram)

“What is depicted isn't free speech, it's a disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children.”

— JP Morrell, New Orleans City Councilman (N/A)

“The hateful symbolism of that throw does not represent who we are!”

— City of New Orleans, N/A (Social Media Post)

“Our krewe is adamant that there is no place for racism in New Orleans, and we deeply regret this situation.”

— Krewe of Tucks, N/A (Statement)

What’s next

The Louisiana Attorney General's office has launched an investigation into the incident, and the Krewe of Tucks has confirmed that two of its members have had their membership permanently terminated as a result of the racist display.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing need to address racism and intolerance, even in the context of celebratory events like Carnival parades. New Orleans officials have made it clear that such hateful displays have no place in the city's inclusive and family-friendly festivities, and they are committed to taking swift action to investigate and condemn this 'horrific hate crime'.