Black Doll Tossed with Beads 'Tied' Around Neck at Mardi Gras Parade

Parents speak out after 7-year-old girl caught the doll on her birthday, sparking outrage and action from officials

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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During a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Black Barbie-like dolls were seen hanging by the neck on strands of beads, which are commonly tossed during the celebrations. The parents of a 7-year-old girl who caught one of the dolls said their daughter didn't understand the racist implications, leading to a difficult conversation. The Krewe of Tucks, the parade organization, quickly identified and permanently terminated the membership of the riders involved, acknowledging the "painful history" the imagery evoked. The mayor of New Orleans called the display "deeply offensive" and "unacceptable", welcoming the family to watch the festivities the next day.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the persistent issues of racism and insensitivity that can still occur even during celebratory events meant for families and children. It raises questions about the need for greater awareness, sensitivity, and accountability within Mardi Gras organizations to ensure their celebrations are inclusive and do not expose young attendees to harmful symbolism.

The details

Images and footage from the Krewe of Tucks parade showed Black Barbie-like dolls hanging by the neck on strands of beads, which are commonly tossed to parade-goers. The 7-year-old girl's parents said she was thrown one of the dolls and didn't initially understand the racist implications. The Krewe of Tucks acknowledged the "painful history" the imagery evoked and said they had quickly identified and permanently terminated the membership of the riders involved.

  • The incident occurred during the Krewe of Tucks parade on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The mayor of New Orleans welcomed the family to watch the festivities on the following day, Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Krewe of Tucks

The parade organization that acknowledged the racist imagery and swiftly terminated the membership of the riders involved.

Helena Moreno

The mayor of New Orleans who called the display "deeply offensive" and "unacceptable", and welcomed the family to watch the festivities the next day.

Shayna Lee

The mother of the 7-year-old girl who caught the doll and had to have a difficult conversation with her daughter about the racist implications.

George Lee

The father of the 7-year-old girl who caught the doll and said it was not a conversation they should have had with a 7-year-old.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Shayna Lee, Mother (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.”

— George Lee, Father (The Times-Picayune)

“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 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’s next

The Krewe of Tucks said their investigation into the incident is ongoing, and they will consider taking additional action as they gather more information.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness, sensitivity, and accountability within Mardi Gras organizations to ensure their celebrations are truly inclusive and do not expose young attendees to harmful, racist symbolism that can traumatize and rob them of their innocence.