A Louisiana mother is demanding accountability after her young daughter caught a Black doll with beads tied around its neck during a Mardi Gras parade — an incident officials say evoked racist and threatening imagery and has sparked an investigation.
The disturbing moment happened during the Krewe of Tucks parade in New Orleans, where Shayna Lee said her seven-year-old daughter initially believed she had caught a typical parade toy.
Instead, Lee said the child discovered the doll had a string of beads wrapped around its neck — imagery historically associated with racial intimidation against Black communities.
‘Her Innocence Was Taken Away’
Lee said she was stunned when she saw what her daughter had caught.
“At first I was actually in shock… there is no way, out of all things somebody could have thrown off of a float — this,” Lee said. “And it’s Black History Month.”
She said the incident forced her to have a difficult conversation with her daughter about racism.
“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,” Lee said.
Officials Condemn Incident
City leaders quickly denounced the display, calling it offensive and unacceptable.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said the imagery has “no place” in the city’s celebrations.
“Our celebrations should be spaces of joy and unity, not exposure to hateful or harmful imagery,” she said, adding that city officials are working to identify those responsible.
City Council President JP Morrell described the object as a “disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children.”
Louisiana State Representative Alonzo L. Knox said residents contacted him with “justified disgust” and confirmed he is coordinating with authorities, including Attorney General Liz Murrill, to pursue accountability.
Murrill called the display “disgusting, vulgar, racist,” and announced an immediate investigation.
Parade Organization Responds
The Krewe of Tucks said it is investigating the incident and pledged that anyone responsible will be barred from participating in future parades.
City officials later invited Lee and her family to watch a parade from Gallier Hall as a gesture of support.
Family Calls for Accountability
Despite the incident, Lee said her family plans to continue attending Mardi Gras celebrations — but with caution.
“It’s not going to keep us from going out and having a good time… but we’re definitely going to be more cautious,” she said.
She also called for consequences for whoever threw the doll.
“He needs to apologize… because that was disgraceful,” Lee said.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified any suspects as the investigation continues.
