Authorities in New Orleans investigate alleged racist act during parade
NEW ORLEANS (CBS, KYMA) - New Orleans authorities have vowed to investigate an incident showing an individual depicting an alleged racist act during the Krewe of Tucks parade in the city Saturday.
Footage obtained by Storyful appears to show a member of the krewe standing on a float with two black Barbie-like dolls hanging over the edge with a string of beads around their necks.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno wrote in an Instagram post that an earlier image that circulated of the same individual seemed to "depict a horrific hate crime."
"Let me be clear: the display is deeply offensive, unacceptable, and has no place in our city," Moreno said. "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."
"What is depicted isn't free speech, it's a disturbing effigy meant to harm and intimidate families and children," Morrell wrote.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said she was immediately opening an investigation in to what she described as a "disgusting, vulgar, racist image."
She said she intended "to hold the individuals responsible accountable."
The Krewe of Tucks issued a statement apologizing Saturday night, saying the krewe shares the same sentiment as the mayor and called the behavior "intolerable and completely contrary to the beliefs and values that the Krewe of Tucks holds."
