Viral video captures alleged racial harassment of Ole Miss students, who speak out and plan to stay
Students describe what happened
Metcalf said she was at her apartment last Friday night when she saw the footage on her Ring camera. The video showed two students outside the home making monkey gestures and sounds.
Johnson said one of the visitors apologized for what happened at four doors, but the roommates said theirs was the only door targeted. Metcalf said the behavior would have been disrespectful even if the visitors had not known the residents’ race.
Different responses followed
Metcalf and Johnson identified the first person shown in the video as Aliana Kunes and said she apologized. They said the second person, who made monkey sounds toward the camera, later defended her actions off-camera.
Kunes voluntarily withdrew from Ole Miss after issuing a statement Tuesday. Johnson’s mother, Chiquita Laó, said she was surprised by the withdrawal after Kunes said she had been harassed.
University investigates incident
University officials said they are investigating and have contacted those targeted. Metcalf, Caldwell and Johnson said they intend to stay at Ole Miss and not let the incident disrupt their time there.
Johnson urged people to consider the impact of their actions and encouraged anyone who experiences similar situations to speak out. She said such incidents should not be brushed aside and that people’s voices need to be heard.
Key points
- Metcalf saw the incident on her Ring camera last Friday night.
- Johnson and Metcalf said their apartment was the only door targeted.
- Kunes apologized and voluntarily withdrew from Ole Miss.
- University officials said they are investigating and have reached out to those targeted.