Ole Miss student withdraws after viral video shows racist gestures outside Black students' apartment

Key points

• On November 6, 2026, a Ring doorbell camera captured two white women making monkey noises and gestures outside an off-campus apartment in Mississippi.
• Freshman Jakiyra Metcalf posted the video to TikTok on November 8, where it accumulated nearly 13 million views by November 10.
• Alaina Kunes, 18, one of the women in the video, issued an apology on November 10 and subsequently withdrew from the University of Mississippi.
• Kunes stated she was unaware of the residents' race and claimed her actions were not intentional, though she acknowledged they were harmful.
• University officials launched an investigation and condemned the video, while the ACLU of Mississippi began reviewing complaints related to the incident.

Background

The University of Mississippi has faced previous racial incidents, including a noose hanging in 2014 and monkey noises directed at a Black protester in 2024. The current incident follows a pattern of racial tensions on campus, with the university citing privacy laws to withhold details on disciplinary actions for other individuals involved.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and The New York Times emphasize the viral nature of the video and the university's formal condemnation of the racist gestures. ABC News and TODAY.com focus on the immediate consequences for Alaina Kunes, specifically her withdrawal from the university and her apology. While Kunes claims she did not know the residents were Black, the university's vice chancellor, Shawnboda Mead, explicitly described the video as showing racist gestures directed at other students. The family of the affected student, represented by Tasha Bolton, demanded accountability and safety, contrasting with Kunes's request for privacy due to alleged harassment and death threats.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing issues of racial harassment on college campuses and the role of social media in amplifying such incidents. The university's response and the student's withdrawal reflect institutional efforts to address racial misconduct, though questions remain about the status of other individuals involved and the effectiveness of disciplinary measures.

What to watch

The University of Mississippi will continue its investigation into the incident, potentially leading to further disciplinary actions against other individuals involved. The ACLU of Mississippi will review complaints related to the incident, and the university may issue additional statements regarding the status of the other women in the video.