Texas Photographer Mistaken for Parade Incident Perpetrator

Shelby T. Rhodes faces death threats and business backlash over case of mistaken identity

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Texas-based professional photographer named Shelby T. Rhodes has become the victim of a digital witch hunt following controversial footage from the Krewe of Centaur Parade in Shreveport, Louisiana. Despite pleading that she is not the person involved in the incident and that her photography business is located in Texas, not Louisiana, Rhodes' online pages have been flooded with accusations of racism and violent threats, causing significant damage to her reputation and livelihood.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dark side of viral outrage and the court of public opinion, where facts can often take a backseat to assumptions and misinformation. It serves as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences that can result from mistaken identity issues in the digital age.

The details

The video that sparked national outrage shows an encounter in Shreve City where a group of individuals attempted to force an elderly Black woman and her great-grandchildren to move from their spot along the parade route. Authorities have since issued a warrant for Georgie Creamer, who is expected to be charged with disturbing the peace and simple battery. However, in the chaotic scramble to identify the other women in the video, internet sleuths wrongly targeted Shelby T. Rhodes, a Texas-based photographer who had nothing to do with the incident.

  • The Krewe of Centaur Parade incident occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 5, 2026.
  • Shelby T. Rhodes posted a tearful video addressing the mistaken identity issue on February 9, 2026.

The players

Shelby T. Rhodes

A professional photographer based in Texas who owns a photography business, and has become the victim of a digital witch hunt due to a case of mistaken identity.

Georgie Creamer

The individual who authorities have issued a warrant for, expected to be charged with disturbing the peace and simple battery for the incident at the Krewe of Centaur Parade in Shreveport.

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What they’re saying

“I am Shelby T. Rhodes. I am the owner of a photography business. I am not Shelby Hagman Rhodes, and my photography business is in Texas, not Louisiana. I have a mistaken identity issue.”

— Shelby T. Rhodes, Photographer (Instagram)

“We all have love in our hearts and we all should try to embrace that. This is a case of mistaken identity. So be careful what you say and what you do.”

— Shelby T. Rhodes, Photographer (Instagram)

What’s next

The Shreveport Police Department is continuing its investigation into the Krewe of Centaur Parade incident and the charges against Georgie Creamer.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact that online misinformation and mistaken identity can have on innocent individuals, underscoring the importance of verifying facts before rushing to judgment or sharing content online. It serves as a cautionary tale about the real-world consequences of digital witch hunts and the need for greater digital literacy and responsibility.