Three Black students from the University of Mississippi have come forward to share their experience after a video depicting two white women engaging in racist behaviour outside their apartment became widely circulated online. The incident has raised serious concerns about racial discrimination and community values at the university.
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Jakiyra Metcalf, Kaiyden Caldwell, and Victoria G. Johnson appeared on CBS Mornings on November 11 to discuss the events that transpired on November 6. The troubling footage, captured by Metcalf’s Ring doorbell camera, shows two women mimicking ape-like gestures and noises—a display widely condemned as racist. The video has since amassed over 12 million views on TikTok, igniting significant outrage within the community.
Upon discovering the video, Metcalf and Johnson confronted the women involved shortly after the incident. During the encounter, one of the women, identified as Alaina Kunes, offered an apology. However, another woman continued to make the offensive gestures even as Kunes expressed remorse. Johnson described the situation to CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan, detailing how the persistent behaviour felt like a “slap in the face.”
The students reported that Kunes claimed their actions were not aimed directly at their apartment, suggesting that they had done similar gestures at multiple doors. “It was just ours that was targeted,” Johnson noted, emphasising the disrespect they felt despite Kunes’ apology. Metcalf highlighted the overall inappropriateness of their behaviour, regardless of the intent behind it.
Each of the students expressed profound emotional reactions to the incident. Metcalf described her feelings as “hurt,” while Caldwell referred to the situation as “devastating.” Johnson articulated the experience as “very disheartening,” underscoring the broader impact of such actions on individuals within the community.
Following significant backlash, Kunes publicly identified herself on November 10 and issued a statement apologising for her actions. In her apology, she acknowledged the insensitivity of her behaviour, stating that she did not mean to cause harm and had never previously met the women. Kunes also mentioned that she had withdrawn from the university due to the harassment she faced following the viral incident and pledged to cooperate with the university’s investigation.
When asked about forgiveness, Metcalf expressed ambivalence, recognising that while she appreciated the apology, it did not negate the hurt caused by the event. Caldwell echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that an apology cannot erase the pain inflicted. Their responses highlight the complex emotions often entangled in such discussions about race and accountability.
Chiquita Lao, the mother of Johnson, also joined the CBS interview, conveying mixed feelings regarding Kunes’ departure from the university. While acknowledging the importance of accountability, she expressed a sense of loss over the situation, emphasising that these young individuals are the future.
Despite the incident’s emotional toll, Metcalf, Caldwell, and Johnson remain committed to their education and campus community. They expressed a desire to not allow the experience to overshadow their time at Ole Miss. Johnson particularly hopes that their decision to speak out will empower others who endure similar experiences to voice their concerns and not remain silent.
In the wake of the incident, the University of Mississippi has come under scrutiny regarding its history of racial insensitivity. Officials have condemned the actions captured in the controversial video, stating that such behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the values the university strives to uphold. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead described the conduct as “deeply troubling, hurtful, and unacceptable,” signalling the administration’s commitment to addressing these issues head-on.
The university has initiated an investigation into the incident and is reaching out to the affected students as part of its response. Metcalf, Caldwell, and Johnson indicated that they would cooperate fully with the inquiry, leaving any decisions regarding disciplinary action up to the university.
As the investigation continues, the students reflect on their experiences growing up in Mississippi, expressing that they had not encountered such blatant discrimination prior to this incident. Their accounts serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in the fight against racism and discrimination, urging communities to remain vigilant in fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
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