Krewe du Vieux Skewered John Besh at Saturday’s Parade

As expected, Krewe du Vieux, the bawdy, satirical parade that kicks off the beginning of the final, intense weeks of Carnival season, bashed John Besh big time during Saturday’s parade.

The theme, Bienville’s Wet Dream, also targeted the Sewerage & Water Board, as well as others. The parade’s theme this year was chosen to go along with this year’s tricentennial of New Orleans.

In true Krewe du Vieux spirit, bad taste comes far short of describing the Besh roast. A satirical menu, first published in the krewe’s newsletter, featured items like, “See you in court bouillion”, “fresh groper with jerk sauce”, “Matzo fondle my balls soup,” and “split breasts with cream sauce.” The “menu items” were printed on a large chalk board, as well along the sides of the float.

The float itself had a giant replica of John Besh’s head complete with grotesquely fuzzy eyebrows and a chef toque covering his nether regions, under a sign that read, “The Besh is Yet to Cum.” Another food-themed Besh float was titled “Jizz Brunch with John Besh.”

The embattled BRG restaurant group (formerly Besh Restaurant Group) has been accused of fostering a culture of sexual harassment, with several allegations of sexual harassment against John Besh himself. Shortly after the Times-Picayune published its watershed report, in which 25 women alleged sexual harassment, Besh stepped down from the day-to-day operations of his restaurant. At least four of the sexual harassment allegations have been filed with the EEOC. Besh has also been deep in a legal battle over the Shaya name with Alon Shaya, with details of the inner workings of the company being revealed in the court documents.

Krewe du Vieux is best known for its spare-no-one satire and societal critiques laid out in an adult-themed parade.

Photography of the floats appears below.

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

MORE READING

Krewe du Vieux Will Probably Roast John Besh During Saturday’s Parade [ENOLA]

John Besh Restaurants Fostered Culture of Sexual Harassment, 25 Women Say [NOLA.COM]

Tracking the John Besh Sexual Harassment Allegations [ENOLA]