The parents of a 7-year-old say their daughter was handed a Black, Barbie-style doll with Mardi Gras beads looped around its neck during the Krewe of Tucks parade on Feb. 14 in New Orleans. The Krewe of Tucks said it quickly identified the riders involved, permanently terminated their membership and has opened an internal investigation. Mayor Helena Moreno condemned the display as "deeply offensive" and invited the family to view the next-day festivities from Gallier Hall. The incident has prompted local outrage and broader discussions about parade practices and racial sensitivity.
7-Year-Old Given Black Doll With Beads at Tucks Parade; Krewe Fires Members, City Condemns Display
The Lee family at New Orleans City Council following the "racist throw"City of New Orleans
Parents of a 7-year-old girl say their daughter was handed a Black, Barbie-style doll with Mardi Gras beads looped around its neck during the Krewe of Tucks parade in New Orleans on Feb. 14.
Images and video circulating online appeared to show several Black dolls with beads placed around their necks, creating the disturbing impression that the dolls were hanging. The Lee family — who attended the parade — said the child didn’t immediately understand what had happened. “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,” the girl’s mother, Shayna Lee, told WWL. Her father, George Lee, told The Times-Picayune: “She didn’t understand why she couldn’t have it. And that’s not a conversation to be having with a 7‑year‑old.”
Krewe of Tucks Response: In a statement, the Krewe acknowledged the painful imagery and said it understood the historical context: “Given the history of racism in the country, state, city and Mardi Gras itself, we know that the image of beads tied around the neck of a Black doll is evocative of painful history.” The organization said it purchased about 30 White dolls and 30 Black dolls to throw to children and that placing beads around toys to help facilitate throws is a typical practice. The Krewe added that it “quickly” identified the riders involved and that those members’ membership has been “swiftly and permanently terminated.”
City Reaction and Next Steps: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno called the display “deeply offensive, unacceptable, and [having] no place in our city,” and said celebrations where families gather should be “spaces of joy and unity.” The city invited the Lee family to return to watch the Feb. 15 festivities from Gallier Hall so they could experience what officials described as the true spirit of New Orleans.
The Krewe said its internal investigation is ongoing and that it will consider additional action as it gathers more information. The incident prompted swift condemnation from civic leaders and local news outlets, and renewed conversations about racism, parade traditions and accountability during Mardi Gras.
Note: Coverage cited local outlets including WWL, WDSU and The Times-Picayune.
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