Days before Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated concerts in New Orleans, city officials cleared out homeless camps near the Superdome, sparking criticism and legal action. The swift effort to relocate those living beneath the overpass has left many questioning why the city mobilizes resources for such events but not otherwise.
Homeless resident Terrence Cobbins, forced to move his belongings, expressed his frustration by asking, “They ain’t never did it before for other people. Why Taylor Swift?” His words point to a troubling pattern of the city taking action only when a major event draws attention.
A judge intervened by issuing a temporary restraining order stopping further sweeps until Nov. 4. The order was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by homeless residents who argued that their rights were violated. Legal documents allege that state troopers were overheard saying that the governor ordered the move because of the Taylor Swift concerts, reinforcing the perception that the city acted solely to impress incoming crowds.
Gov. Jeff Landry’s spokesperson defended the relocation, linking it not only to the concerts but also to the preparations for February’s Super Bowl. The statement suggested that these events require presenting New Orleans “at its best.” However, critics argue that using these occasions to justify removing the homeless without a long-term plan raises serious questions about the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness.
Martha Kegel, executive director of Unity of Greater New Orleans, called the sweeps both unnecessary and harmful. “Some people were frightened and left,” she noted, highlighting that the displacement undid months of efforts to document and assist the homeless in securing permanent housing.
The decision to clear the camps for a celebrity event while leaving long-term needs unaddressed has sparked a debate about New Orleans’ true priorities. With more events on the horizon, advocates question whether the city will continue to remove homeless residents only when the spotlight is on.
