Mardi Gras Parade Removes Mel Gibson as Grand Marshal Amid Intense Blowback
The Krewe of Endymion say they've received "significant feedback" and "threats" in the less than 24 hours since the announcement of Gibson's role in the parade.
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Less than 24 hours after Louisiana’s Krewe of Endymion announced Mel Gibson would be one of the co-Grand Marshals of their 2023 Mardi Gras parade, the group backtracked on their decision. Endymion is one of the largest, most well-known parades to roll through New Orleans during Mardi Gras weekend.
Dan Kelly from the Krewe of Endymion released a statement on Sunday afternoon:
“The Krewe of Endymion has received significant feedback about our grand marshall announcement yesterday evening. Some of this commentary included threats that cause us great concern. In the best interest of the safety of our riders, special guests and everyone that welcomes us on the streets, Mel Gibson will not ride as a Co-Grand Marshal for our 2023 parade.”
“We appreciate the cooperation of the city in addressing the issues that will allow us to present another wonderful parade this year along our entire route. We will move forward with our final preparations in the coming weeks for the largest procession in Carnival.”
On Saturday night Endymion had announced Gibson would lead the Feb. 18 parade alongside Tulane University head football coach Willie Fritz, who is particularly beloved by New Orleanians after he led the team to victory at the Cotton Bowl this year. The Gibson pick was pretty controversial, obviously, considering the Braveheart actor’s shocking history of anti-semitism, racism, homophobia, misogyny and allegations of domestic abuse (which Jezebel previously detailed here).