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Ole Miss freshman caught making racist monkey noises outside black students’ apartment has made major decision
The Ole Miss freshman who was caught making racist monkey noises outside a Black student's apartment has made a big decision.
Alaina Kunes and two other women came under fire this week after a Ring camera video caught them making monkey noises as they walked past the front door of an off-campus apartment at the University of Mississippi where three Black students live.
In the footage, Kunes is seen beating her chest. She and a second woman, who has not been named and has not commented on the incident, made ape noises. A third woman in the video just walked by without stopping at the door.
The clip was shared on TikTok by student Jakiyra Metcalf over the weekend and has amassed almost 13 million views.
Kunes Withdraws As University Launches Investigation
Shawnboda Mead, the University of Mississippi's vice chancellor for student affairs, has confirmed that the school has launched an investigation into the incident.
According to NBC News, Mead described the viral clip in the email as "showing University of Mississippi students engaging in racist gestures directed toward other students".
A spokesperson for Kunes' lawyer has confirmed this week that she has voluntarily withdrawn from the university.
The rep declined to reveal the exact date or reasons for her departure, but rejected claims that she left because of harassment from enraged students and local community members, per TMZ.
Kunes Issues Public Apology And Addresses Backlash
Kunes is the only one out of the trio who has publicly confirmed her involvement in the disturbing act.
The news of her withdrawal came just hours after she issued a public apology.
"To the women I offended, and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize," she said in a statement, alleging that before the incident, which took place on November 6, she had never "met the women involved and was unaware of their race".
"I would have never intentionally made those noises or gestures toward a person of color," she continued. "I understand the seriousness of this situation and remain committed to taking responsibility and learning from this embarrassing ordeal."
"These girls deserve to feel seen and understood, and what I did is not a reflection of who I am trying to become," she added.
Kunes said she intends to fully cooperate with the university’s investigation and also requested privacy for herself and her family, alleging that they have been harassed over the last few days and received death threats.
Black Students And Families Demand Accountability
Tasha Bolton, whose freshman daughter lives in the apartment with two Black roommates, condemned the racist incident in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Bolton identified the women in the doorbell footage as her daughter's upstairs neighbors.
"This is absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. College is supposed to be a place where young adults can learn, grow, and feel safe," she wrote. "We want answers. Specifically, what steps will be taken to address this behavior and ensure accountability?"
The president of the university’s Black Student Union, Demetrick Stringer Jr., said the incident had left many Black students "feeling unwelcome and unsafe," the New York Times reported.
He called for accountability for those responsible and for "calm and care" from the rest of his fellow students. "Look after one another, and reach out for support if you need it," he added.
Lamarcus Lenoir, a Black junior at Ole Miss, added that the Black community on campus was "obviously frustrated" by the video, particularly given the school’s history of racism and segregation.
He urged the university to demonstrate "absolute intolerance to this kind of behavior," warning that anything less could suggest such conduct was excusable.
"The only acceptable punishment would be expulsion," he said.