University of Mississippi students targeted by racist gestures that were caught on camera speak out for the first time

Warning: This article contains discussion of racial discrimination which some readers may find distressing.

The University of Mississippi students who caught their peers making monkey noises outside their apartment on a doorbell camera have spoken out for the first time.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the two white girls making monkey sounds and gestures as they pass by a Ring camera on the apartment door of three Black students.

One of the mothers of the affected students, Tasha Bolton, wrote on Facebook: “My daughter sent me this video from her Ring camera at her apartment. She’s a freshman at the University of Mississippi. She has 2 black roommates.

“This is absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. College is supposed to be a place where young adults can learn, grow, and feel safe. We want answers. Specifically, what steps will be taken to address this behavior and ensure accountability?”

Aliana Kunes (pictured) has since apologised (Jakiyra Metcalf/ABC News)

One of the students accused of making the racist gestures, Alaina Kunes, 18, has since released a statement apologising and saying she was ‘unaware of their race’. She has since withdrawn from the school, a source told NBC News.

Meanwhile, the university has launched an investigation into the ‘deeply troubling’ video.

On Wednesday (11 November), the students and one of their mothers appeared in a clip shared by CBS Mornings, where they reflected on this decision.

Journalist Jericka Duncan asked: “Do you think her withdrawing from the university was the right move?”

One of the students, whose name was not included in the report, responded: “Yes. For her peace and safety. I feel like it was a good option for her.”

While the mother admitted: “I hate that she withdrew from school. You see what I’m saying, because the course of her life, that’s going to affect her too.”

She added: "That’s somebody’s child, so that bothers me because I don’t like to see kids, you know, you just started.

“These babies, they’re 18. So I have that for the young people. I wish people will be mindful and just think.”

The students allegedly targeted by the racist gestures have spoken out (CBS)

In her statement, as shared by Fox6, Kunes wrote: "To the women I offended and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize. Before the incident on November 6, I never met the women involved and was unaware of their race, however, I recognize my actions were insensitive, inappropriate, and deeply harmful.

“I would have never intentionally made those noises or gestures toward a person of colour. I have apologized to the women and I pray they will forgive me.

“I can never truly understand the pain I have caused them and it was never my intention. 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: "Over the past several days, my family and I have received death threats and harassment. I am grateful for the authorities working to ensure our safety.

“As I intend to cooperate fully with the University’s investigation, I ask for privacy for my family. I understand the seriousness of this situation and remain committed to taking responsibility and learning from this embarrassing ordeal."

The University of Mississippi is investigating the incident (Getty Stock Image)

University of Mississippi Vice Chancellor Shawnboda Mead said in a statement on Monday (9 November): “Over the weekend, a video circulated on social media showing University of Mississippi students engaging in racist gestures directed toward other students. The behavior depicted in this video is deeply troubling, hurtful, and unacceptable.

“We condemn the behavior as it does not reflect our university's values or the kind of community we strive to be every day.”

The statement added that staff have reached out to the students directly impacted to offer support, and that the incident is being actively investigated by the appropriate university offices.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org.