University of Mississippi investigates video of students making monkey gestures

A surveillance clip captured two white students at the University of Mississippi making monkey gestures and was uploaded to TikTok, where it has amassed nearly 13 million views. The video, recorded by a Ring doorbell at a freshman’s apartment, shows one woman thumping her chest and babbling like a monkey, followed by another woman mimicking the noises.

The incident has sparked outrage over its racist connotations. The student who posted the video, freshman Jakiyra Metcalf, said her mother, Tasha Bolton, described the act as "absolutely disgusting and unacceptable" in a Facebook post and noted that Metcalf lives with two Black roommates while the women in the video are her upstairs neighbors.

Alaina Kunes, 18, identified in the video, issued an apology through a Chicago law firm, stating she did not intend the gestures toward a person of color and has apologized to the women involved. She also reported receiving death threats and harassment, thanked authorities for ensuring her safety, and asked for privacy while cooperating with the university’s investigation.

"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," said Shawnboda Mead, vice-chancellor for student affairs.

Mead urged the campus community to avoid sharing unverified information about those involved. The university has reached out to affected students to offer support and to hear their concerns. A university spokesperson did not respond to inquiries about the students’ enrollment status or any disciplinary measures.

The incident follows previous reports of racism at the university, including a 2014 incident in which fraternity members hung a noose around a statue honoring the school’s first Black student.