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Three Black students at the University of Mississippi are speaking publicly after a doorbell camera captured two women making racist gestures and monkey-like noises outside their apartment. The footage went viral on social media, prompting widespread reactions and a university investigation.
The students, Jakirya Metcalf, Kaiyden Caldwell and Victoria Johnson, discussed the incident during an interview with CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan on CBS Mornings.
The incident happened on November 6, 2026. Metcalf, a freshman, said she discovered the footage through her Ring doorbell camera. She and Johnson later went outside to confront the women and ask why they had behaved that way.
Students describe what happened after the video
During the interview, the students explained that the confrontation did not immediately resolve the situation.
Johnson said one of the women apologized and claimed they had made similar gestures outside four apartment doors. However, the students questioned that explanation because they had not witnessed the behavior at the other doors.
According to Johnson, the second woman continued making the gestures even while the first woman was apologizing. She described the experience as deeply hurtful.
Caldwell also explained that receiving an apology did not erase the emotional impact of what happened.
The students said they appreciated the public attention but wanted people to understand that the incident had affected them personally.
One student apologizes and withdraws from Ole Miss
One of the women identified in the incident, Alaina Kunes, issued a public apology on Tuesday, November 10.
In her statement, Kunes acknowledged that her actions were inappropriate and harmful. She also said she had not known the race of the women living in the apartment before the incident.
Kunes said she had apologized to the students and intended to cooperate with the university’s investigation.
Following the apology, Kunes voluntarily withdrew from the University of Mississippi. A spokesperson for her family’s attorney said the statement had been issued on her behalf.
However, the three students told CBS News that the apology did not automatically resolve their feelings about the incident.
Metcalf expressed mixed feelings about accepting the apology. Caldwell also said the experience remained painful despite the public statement.
University launches investigation
The University of Mississippi condemned the behavior shown in the video and confirmed that an investigation was underway.
University officials described the conduct as offensive, hurtful and unacceptable. They also said staff had contacted the affected students to offer support and discuss available resources.
The university further urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about those involved. Officials noted that one student had already been incorrectly identified online.
The investigation is expected to follow the university’s established student conduct procedures. Officials have not publicly detailed any additional disciplinary decisions.
Students say they plan to remain at Ole Miss
Despite the experience, Metcalf, Caldwell and Johnson said they intend to continue their education at the university.
The students also hope speaking publicly will encourage others who experience similar situations to report them rather than remain silent.
Their interview has renewed conversations about racism, campus safety and the experiences of Black students at predominantly white institutions.
For the three women, the incident is about more than a viral video. They want their experiences acknowledged and hope others will consider the impact of their actions before treating such behavior as a joke.
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Sources:CBS News
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