Alaina Kunes Ole Miss Controversy: Freshman Apologizes After Viral Video Shows Racist Gestures Outside Black Students’ Apartment
The footage was recorded on November 6, 2026, in Oxford, Mississippi. It shows three women walking past the apartment entrance, with two appearing to imitate monkey behaviour and make related noises. The video subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting public condemnation and calls for accountability.
Kunes was identified as one of the women in the footage and released a statement on November 10 through her attorneys.
Alaina Kunes Issues Public Apology
In her statement, Kunes apologized to the women affected and to the Ole Miss community. She described her actions as insensitive, inappropriate and deeply harmful.
She also said she had not previously met the apartment’s residents and was unaware of their race before the November 6 incident. Kunes maintained that she did not intend to direct the gestures or noises at people of colour.
She stated that she had personally apologized to the women and acknowledged that she could not fully understand the hurt her conduct had caused.
Kunes further said that she and her family had received threats and harassment following the video’s circulation. She thanked authorities for their assistance with safety concerns and requested privacy for her family.
University of Mississippi Responds
The University of Mississippi condemned the conduct shown in the video, describing it as troubling, hurtful and unacceptable.
The university said it had contacted the affected students to offer support, listen to their concerns and connect them with available resources. It also confirmed that the incident was being investigated.
The university has explained that privacy laws limit what it can disclose about individual student records and possible disciplinary action.
On November 10, the university confirmed to Action News 5 that Kunes was no longer a student. However, officials did not clarify whether she had withdrawn voluntarily or been removed from the institution.
Calls for Accountability and Student Support
The incident has prompted widespread discussion about racism, student conduct and the responsibility of universities to protect students from harassment.
The apartment’s residents and their supporters have drawn attention to the impact of the behaviour and the importance of ensuring that students feel safe in their living environment.
The identity of the second woman seen making the gestures has not been publicly confirmed in the reports reviewed. The third woman in the footage has also not been publicly identified.
Investigation and Further Developments
Kunes said she intended to cooperate with the university’s investigation and was committed to taking responsibility for her actions and learning from the incident.
The controversy continues to draw attention as the university addresses the concerns raised by the affected students and the wider campus community.
Further developments may follow as the investigation progresses and the university provides additional information within the limits of student privacy protections.