New Orleans’ decision to clear homeless encampments near the Superdome ahead of Taylor Swift’s concerts has stirred controversy, leading to legal action and criticism. The removal of tents and belongings from under the highway was aimed at preparing for the influx of visitors expected for the pop star’s shows, drawing questions about the city’s motives.
One of the homeless residents, Terrence Cobbins, expressed his disbelief at the city’s actions. “They ain’t never did it before for other people. Why Taylor Swift?” he asked, capturing the sentiment shared by many about the city’s selective attention. The timing of the sweep has raised suspicions that New Orleans acted only because of the high-profile event.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order to stop further relocations until Nov. 4 after a lawsuit was filed by the displaced individuals. The legal filing claims that state troopers violated the rights of those living in the camp by forcibly removing them and destroying their possessions. Legal observers stated that the troopers admitted the order was directly related to the upcoming concerts.
Gov. Jeff Landry’s office responded by claiming the action was not just for the concerts but also for February’s Super Bowl, stating that the city needed to be prepared for these events. The explanation, however, has not satisfied critics, who argue that sweeping homeless individuals off the streets right before events does not solve the larger issue of homelessness.
Martha Kegel, the head of Unity of Greater New Orleans, criticized the action, pointing out that it disrupted their work in finding permanent solutions for the homeless. “Some people were frightened and left,” she explained, noting that the sweep undid months of coordination efforts aimed at helping the displaced.
As the city readies for more events, the controversy surrounding these sweeps continues to grow. The abrupt removal of homeless residents for celebrity concerts and major events calls into question the city’s approach to addressing homelessness in a meaningful way.