Ole Miss student identifies woman in viral racist gestures video

Alaina Kunes identified herself as the woman who made racist gestures in a doorbell camera video recorded outside an apartment in Oxford, Mississippi. The incident occurred on Nov. 6 at a complex where three Black Ole Miss students reside. Kunes released a statement acknowledging her actions and confirming she has apologized to the residents.

The Ring doorbell footage shows Kunes as the first of three white women walking past the front door. As they pass, Kunes and the second woman in the group appear to mimic monkey behavior and noises. The second woman has not yet been identified by name. Kunes stated in her statement that she had not met the apartment residents and did not know their race before the incident occurred.

In the statement, Kunes described her actions as insensitive, inappropriate, and deeply harmful. She said she would never have intentionally made those noises or gestures toward a person of color. Kunes added that she has apologized to the women and hopes they will forgive her.

Tasha Bolton, the mother of one of the students, contacted local media regarding the incident. Bolton said the video belongs to her daughter, a Black freshman at Ole Miss who shares the off-campus apartment with two other Black roommates. The university leases student housing at that specific apartment complex. Bolton said the family has retained an attorney and plans to make a formal statement after speaking with university officials.

Ole Miss condemned the behavior in a statement released on Sunday. The university said it reached out to the targeted students to offer information, resources, and support. The school confirmed the incident is under investigation. It noted that student conduct records and any potential disciplinary action are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Kunes said she and her family have received death threats and experienced harassment following the release of the video. She thanked authorities for helping ensure their safety and asked for privacy for her family. Kunes said she intends to cooperate fully with the university's investigation and remain committed to taking responsibility for the situation.

The university's investigation will determine if further action is taken. Kunes said she understands the seriousness of the situation and remains committed to learning from the ordeal. The second woman seen in the video has not been identified.