Name: Mardi Gras celebrations underway amid controversy in New Orleans
Uploaded: 2026-02-16T20:46:43.771Z
Duration: 2 min 54 s
Description: Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are in full swing, but this year the festivities have been overshadowed by controversy. An offensive float display has sparked outrage and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has launched an investigation.

Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are in full swing, but this year the festivities have been overshadowed by controversy. An offensive float display has sparked outrage and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has launched an investigation.

New Orleans

Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans have been overshadowed by controversy after a parade float featuring a black doll hanging from beads and riding a cracked pipe sparked outrage. Civil rights organizations held a press conference demanding accountability, an apology, fines, and new regulations, while the Krewe of Tucks issued an apology and Louisiana's Attorney General launched an investigation.

Additionally, reports of aggressive bead throwing at federal agents were clarified by the New Orleans Police Department, which stated that beads were actually thrown at protesters, not agents. Federal agents are present in the city due to Mardi Gras being classified as a SEER-1 event, the highest security level, requiring significant federal resources.

Mardi Gras celebrations underway amid controversy in New Orleans

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