A video circulating widely on social media following the Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras parade in Shreveport has ignited intense public debate, with viewers divided over whether the confrontation shown was racially motivated or the result of a dispute over parade etiquette.
The video captures a heated verbal exchange between parade spectators along the route that escalates into physical contact, with children and families nearby. The behavior shown prompted widespread criticism, particularly given Mardi Gras’ reputation as a family-friendly community tradition.
As the footage spread, sharply different narratives emerged.
The NAACP Shreveport Branch described the incident as racially motivated, stating that a grandmother was verbally assaulted and physically attacked in front of her grandchildren. The organization said its Legal Redress Team is actively working with law enforcement to identify those involved and pursue appropriate legal action, calling the behavior “unacceptable, inexcusable, and intolerable.”
However, one social media commentator who claimed to be a family member, has publicly rejected claims of racism. In a social media post, they claimed the confrontation stemmed from a disagreement over parade viewing space, explaining the family had camped overnight to save their spot along the route — a practice they say they follow every year. The post emphasized that race played no role and framed the incident as a matter of disrespect and poor parade manners rather than discrimination.
As online speculation intensified, several local institutions and businesses issued statements distancing themselves from misinformation or addressing connections raised on social media.
Bonvenu Bank clarified that a woman mistakenly identified online as a bank employee has never worked for the institution. However, Red River Chevrolet acknowledged that one of its employees appeared in a portion of the video and said it is conducting an internal investigation, noting that the conduct shown does not reflect the company’s values or its long-standing commitment to a welcoming community environment.
Bossier Parish Community College also responded after being mentioned in online discussions. In its statement, BPCC said it is aware of social media posts regarding an incident that reportedly occurred off campus during a recent community event. The college condemned racism, discrimination, and behavior that harms or demeans others, while emphasizing its responsibility to respond thoughtfully and fairly. BPCC said it is gathering accurate information to determine whether the matter falls within the scope of college policies, but due to federal privacy laws, including FERPA, cannot confirm the identity or status of any individuals involved or comment on specific details of any potential review.
Shreveport City Councilman Alan Jackson addressed the incident as well, stating that hate, racism, and disrespect have no place in the city. He said he is in communication with city leadership and law enforcement to ensure the matter is taken seriously, while urging the community to choose respect, understanding, and unity.
As officials, advocacy groups, and institutions continue reviewing the incident, the viral video has fueled a broader conversation about behavior at public events, accountability in the age of social media, and how quickly public narratives can form before all facts are known.
At the center of that conversation remains a key unresolved question: was this confrontation an act of racism, or an escalation driven by long-standing parade traditions and poor etiquette?