UPDATE: The Krewe of Endymion today reversed its decision to have controversial actor Mel Gibson ride as a co-grand marshal.
Endymion President Dan Kelly issued a statement:
“The Krewe of Endymion has received significant feedback about our grand marshal 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."
Here is the original article...
The Krewe of Endymion has announced it will have two grand marshals for its parade February 18th.
Officials had previously said that Tulane Head Football Coach, Willie Fritz, would reign as Endymion’s Grand Marshal.
"International superstar, actor and director Mel Gibson will also reign as an Endymion Grand Marshal for its 2023 parade," Krewe leaders announced at the organization's coronation ball.
A news release says, "Best known for his roles in Mad Max and the Lethal Weapon series, Gibson also produced, directed and starred in Braveheart for which he won two Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director, as well as a Golden Globe Award for Best Director. He later directed and produced the biblical drama, The Passion of the Christ."
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The release said about Fritz, "In addition to capping off an incredible regular football season with the Green Wave, Coach Fritz led the team to an unbelievable victory over the University of Southern California Trojans in the Cotton Bowl. The Tulane head football coach of seven years was also awarded the AAC Coach of the Year for 2022 and the 2022 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Trophy."
The parade rolls through the streets of New Orleans, starting at City Park and ending at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center this year. The parade usually ends inside the Superdome, but construction on the building prevented the annual Endymion Extravaganza from being there this year.
"Three-time GRAMMY Award winner, Darius Rucker, and classic rock superstars FOREIGNER will headline the Extravaganza along with Party on the Moon, Groovy 7, and The Wiseguys."
Endymion is one of the largest organizations and parades in the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration with more than 3,000 riders.