One of two women in a viral video seen making monkey noises and gestures outside a Black Ole Miss student’s apartment said in a statement that her “actions were insensitive, inappropriate, and deeply harmful.”
The video, recorded outside an off-campus apartment complex where Ole Miss students live, shows three women walking past a student’s door. Two appear to make monkey noises and gestures.
In a letter from her attorney, Alaina Kunes, a freshman at the University of Mississippi, apologized to those she offended.
“Before the incident on Nov. 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,” Kunes said. “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.”
The Black Student Union issued a statement condemning the incident and calling for a full investigation, appropriate disciplinary action and support for the student targeted.
The university said it condemns the behavior shown in the video, calling it offensive, hurtful and unacceptable. Ole Miss said it has offered support and resources to the students and is investigating through its Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct and its Office of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance.
The university has said federal privacy laws limit what it can share about individual students or potential disciplinary action.
READ MORE:Ole Miss student apologizes after viral video sparked backlash
