A surveillance video captured by a Ring doorbell has surfaced showing two white students making monkey-like noises and gestures inside a residential unit at the University of Mississippi.
Video Content and Circulation
The footage was uploaded to TikTok by freshman Jakiyra Metcalf on Saturday, who lives with two Black roommates in the apartment complex. The video shows one woman thumping her chest and babbling like a monkey; another woman later enters the frame and mimics primate sounds. The clip has garnered nearly 13 million views online since its release.
Reactions from Families and Campus Officials
Jakiyra Metcalf’s mother, Tasha Bolton, expressed strong disapproval of the incident on Facebook: ‘This is absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. College is supposed to be a place where young adults can learn, grow, and feel safe.’
Bolton said that her daughter shares an apartment with two Black students, and the women seen in the video are neighbors living upstairs. Her husband, Brooks Bolton, confirmed that the family has not yet made public statements about the event.
Student Apology and Statement
Alaina Kunes, 18, who appears in the video, released a statement through a Chicago-based law firm. She stated: ‘I would have never intentionally made those noises or gestures toward a person of color.’
Kunes added she apologized to the women involved and expressed gratitude for authorities working to protect her and her family from threats. She said she has received death threats and harassment over the incident and requested privacy during the university’s investigation. She affirmed that her behavior was not racially motivated.
Campus Response
Shawnboda Mead, vice-chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi, condemned the actions in a Sunday statement: ‘Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at the University of Mississippi. Racism and actions that disparage people because of an aspect of their identity have no place in our campus community.’
Mead also advised against sharing unverified details about individuals involved or disclosing personal information without consent. The university has reached out to affected students to offer support and listen to their concerns.
Past Incidents of Racial Tension on Campus
The university has previously faced incidents involving racism. In 2014, fraternity members hung a noose around a statue honoring the school’s first Black student. More recently, during a pro-Palestine demonstration in 2023, some white male counter-protesters directed monkey-like noises at a Black female protester—similarly raising concerns about racialized expressions of hostility on campus.
As of Tuesday, a university spokesperson did not respond to inquiries regarding whether any students are currently enrolled or if disciplinary actions have been taken.