Mayor Helena Moreno to investigate photo of racist act depicted in Tucks parade

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New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and Councilmember JP Morrell say they will investigate an image posted on social media depicting a racist act in the Krewe of Tucks parade Saturday afternoon.

The image appears to show members of the krewe standing in a float with a Black doll in a purple dress hanging over the edge from its neck by a string of gold beads. Under the doll were the words "Crack Pipe" pained on the side of the float.

Morrell wrote in an Instagram post, shared jointly with Moreno's account, that the image seems 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 in a statement issued Saturday night. "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. The Krewe of Tucks could not immediately be reached for comment.

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