Police report filed after Easton councilwoman, bandleader dispute at Christmas parade

EASTON, Pa. — A dispute between Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana and Big Easy Easton Brass bandleader Jeremy Joseph during Friday night’s Christmas parade has prompted a police report, dueling social media posts and contrasting descriptions of what happened along the parade route.

Both parties acknowledge an interaction took place before and during the parade, but they disagree on who initiated it, what was said and whether the exchange constituted harassment.

In a statement posted to Facebook and sent to local media, Sultana said she was “harassed and threatened” while participating in the city’s annual holiday parade.

She wrote that the incident occurred “not because of anything I did wrong, but because some people cannot accept that a woman of color and a fighter for working families has a seat in power.” She said she filed a police report and documented “every threat,” including messages she said were sent to her online.

“This parade is meant to be a joyful, welcoming space, not a place for hostility or personal attacks,” Sultana said in a statement to Lehigh Daily. She described Joseph as “angry” and said he shouted “falsehoods, personal insults and long-debunked claims,” escalating the situation by yelling in her ear as the parade moved forward.

“My priority became safety and de-escalation,” she said, adding that she continued marching to avoid disrupting the event.

Joseph, in a Facebook post responding to Sultana’s claims, offered a different account. He said Sultana approached him before the parade and greeted him as if they were friends, prompting him to tell her he disagreed with her politics and record on City Council.

“She approached me,” Joseph said. “You were getting honest feedback from the community. Deal with it.”

Joseph acknowledged telling Sultana she had “no shame” when she later walked in front of the band as it marched.

He said he went to the Easton Police Department after learning that Sultana had filed a report. He said officers told him Sultana did not provide video evidence and did not specify what comments constituted threats.

Easton police did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation or details about the report. The department has said no charges will be filed.

The band, known for its Mardi Gras-inspired performances and colorful outfits, is a popular fixture at local events. Several Easton officials publicly expressed support for Joseph following the online exchange.

City Council members Frank Pintabone and Crystal Rose both commented on Joseph’s Facebook post, praising his contributions to community events.

“I’m genuinely disgusted and disappointed by the behavior you described, and I’m sorry you were put in that position,” Rose wrote. “No community volunteer, especially someone who has given as much as you have, should ever have to deal with that kind of conduct or political theatrics.”

Northampton County Democratic Party Vice Chair Sandy O’Brien also defended Joseph online, describing the situation as “unhinged behavior” from Sultana. O’Brien said she was speaking in a personal capacity.

Sultana, in her statement, said her goal was to maintain calm and ensure the parade remained safe and joyful for attendees. She said she “will not accept intimidation.”

“Community events must remain safe, respectful spaces,” she said.

Joseph accused Sultana of using the incident to position herself politically ahead of potential future campaigns. Sultana said she remains committed to representing Easton “with dignity.”

The city has not released an official version of events.