A former University of Mississippi student is apologizing after a video of her making apparent racist noises outside her Black neighbor’s door went viral. Alaina Kunes was identified as one of three women in the clip. She shared a statement on Tuesday, November 10, just as the university confirmed she’s no longer enrolled.
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Alaina Kunes Apologizes For Racist Video In Recent Update
Alaina Kunes is apologizing after she was caught on video making racist noises outside the door of Ole Miss student Jakiyra Metcalf. Metcalf shared footage from her Ring camera on social media and tagged the University of Mississippi. Subsequently, the video went viral, and Kunes is now offering an apology. The 18-year-old shared the statement through her lawyers, per CBS 58 News. In addition to apologizing, Kunes also claims to have received death threats. She’s the first woman seen in the viral monkey noises video.
“To the women I offended and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize,” wrote Kunes. “Before the incident on November 6, I never met the women involved and was unaware of their race, however, I recognize my actions were insensitive, inappropriate, and deeply harmful. I would have never intentionally made those noises or gestures toward a person of color. I have apologized to the women and I pray they will forgive me. I can never truly understand the pain I have caused them and it was never my intention. These girls deserve to feel seen and understood and what I did is not a reflection of who I am trying to become. Over the past several days, my family and I have received death threats and harassment. I am grateful for the authorities working to ensure our safety. As I intend to cooperate fully with the University’s investigation, I ask for privacy for my family. I understand the seriousness of this situation and remain committed to taking responsibility and learning from this embarrassing ordeal. – Alaina Kunes, 18 years old, Freshman, University of Mississippi.”
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Kunes ended the statement by referring to herself as a freshman at Ole Miss. However, she is reportedly “no longer a student” at the University of Mississippi, according to Action News 5. It’s unclear if she was expelled or if she dropped out.
Ole Miss Students Caught Making Monkey Noises Outside Black Neighbor’s Apartment
The Shade Room reported that Kunes and two other white women were caught on a Ring camera outside of their Black neighbors’ door on Friday, November 6. Metcalf and her Black roommates were home during the incident, and she later shared the footage on TikTok. Kunes and another woman are seen making monkey noises in the video. In addition, Kunes beats on her chest as she said, “Ooo ooo ooo, ahh ahh ahh.” Her friend follows suit and looks into the camera while jumping up and down. She also exclaims, “Ooo ooo ooo” as the third woman laughs. Metcalf claimed that when they confronted the women, they replied that it was “not that serious.” Subsequently, Metcalf shared the video with the caption: “ole miss?? what do we have to say about this ?? …”
Social Media Reactions Are As Expected
Little sympathy was had for the ex-Ole Miss student on TSR’s Instagram page. Several Roomies noted their disbelief in Kunes’ sincerity while others claimed she played victim in her statement.
User @mikeymention wrote, “They only apologized when they are put on front page.”
User @iamsassyeb added, “Nah you wanted to play games. Now you’re viral, so enjoy it 🤷🏽♀️.”
@solosuperbadd replied, “So out of all the doors yall chose that one?? 😂 man get out my face.”
@barbie_killer_ added, “‘I ask for privacy for my family?’ 😂 girl you shoulda thought about that before acting like your Neanderthal ancestors in front that Black woman’s door.”
User @madame_maryjane noted, “😂😂 I love how she started with the death threats… girl bye.”
User @ravks_onme replied, “Why they hate us like we did something to them though?”
@nayahnicolee wrote. “Girl bye. you only did it to that specific door.”
User @imsoelect noted, “Girl you knew EXACTLY who stayed there.”
@_sara_bella2000 replied, “The caucasity 🙄.”
@azileelareuse added, “*cues violins* 🙄🙄🙄🙄.”
User @heyamberspain wondered, “why should her safety be ensured if the victims safety clearly wasn’t?”
User @chynamercury added, “They knew exactly what they were doing.”
@meliisssssssssss replied, “Hey Alaina, we dont give a sh*t what u have to say. Thanks♥️.”
@everythingpyper wrote, “Is this apology a copy and paste?? everybody says the same thing!”
