A 13-second doorbell recording has sparked a national controversy at the University of Mississippi. Three Black college students say two white students made monkey-like noises and gestures outside their apartment. But the viral footage captured only part of the encounter. Now, the women living inside have spoken publicly, revealing that one student apologized while another allegedly continued the behavior—even after being confronted. The university is investigating, and growing demands for accountability are raising questions about what happens next.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI — An incident outside an off-campus apartment on November 6, 2026, has placed the University of Mississippi, widely known as Ole Miss, at the center of a national discussion about racial harᴀssment, student conduct and accountability.

The controversy began when student Jakiyra Metcalf shared Ring doorbell footage on TikTok showing three white women walking past the entrance to the apartment she shares with two Black roommates.

Two of the women appeared to make monkey-like sounds and gestures while looking toward the camera.

The video rapidly spread across social media, attracting more than 13 million views within days.

On November 11, Metcalf and her roommates appeared on CBS Mornings to describe what happened after the recording ended.

Their account added important details to an incident that had already prompted a university investigation.

The 13 Seconds That Sparked National Attention

The original recording was captured on Friday evening, November 6, at approximately 8:37 p.m.

Three women approached the apartment entrance.

According to the footage, two briefly stepped toward the Ring camera and made gestures resembling those of monkeys.

The third woman looked toward the camera but did not appear to participate in the gestures.

Metcalf subsequently posted the video online and questioned how the university would respond.

The recording drew immediate criticism because monkey comparisons have historically been used to demean Black people.

For the students living inside the apartment, the behavior was particularly upsetting because it occurred directly outside their home.

But the women say the incident did not end when the three individuals walked away from the camera.

Students Say They Confronted the Women Immediately

During their November 11 interview with CBS, Metcalf appeared alongside roommates Kaiyden Caldwell and Victoria Johnson.

The three described the emotional impact of seeing the recording and their decision to confront the women involved.

According to their account, one participant apologized after being confronted.

However, they alleged that another continued making the gestures.

Johnson described the experience as especially painful because the behavior allegedly continued even while an apology was being offered.

“She continued to make the gestures after the girl was apologizing,” Johnson told CBS.

The students said the confrontation intensified their feelings of disappointment and disbelief.

Importantly, the continued gestures described by Johnson occurred outside the portion captured in the widely shared Ring video.

That additional allegation comes from the students’ account rather than the original recording.

One Student Issues a Public Apology

On November 10, Alaina Kunes, 18, publicly apologized for her involvement.

In a statement released through a representative, Kunes acknowledged that her actions were insensitive and harmful.

She said she did not know the race of the apartment’s residents before the incident and had not intended to direct the behavior toward Black students.

Kunes also said she had apologized to the women involved and intended to cooperate with the university’s investigation.

According to subsequent reporting, she withdrew from Ole Miss following the controversy.

She and her family also reportedly experienced harᴀssment and threats after the video circulated.

The roommates acknowledged receiving her apology but expressed mixed feelings about forgiveness.

Caldwell explained that an apology did not erase the emotional impact of what happened.

A Second Student Draws Attention After Fundraiser Appears

The controversy intensified when an online fundraising campaign appeared in support of another woman ᴀssociated with the video.

According to ᴀssociated Press reporting on November 11, the fundraiser had collected more than $30,000.

Its organizer argued that the woman was being unfairly targeted over what supporters characterized as immature behavior.

The campaign generated another wave of debate.

Critics questioned whether fundraising in response to allegations of racial harᴀssment undermined efforts to hold students accountable.

Others raised concerns about online harᴀssment, public identification and the consequences of viral controversy.

There has been no verified public finding that the fundraiser represented the university’s position or that the money was officially connected to a disciplinary process.

Ole Miss Confirms an Active Investigation

University officials condemned the conduct depicted in the footage.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead described the behavior as inconsistent with the insтιтution’s values.

The university confirmed that its appropriate offices were actively investigating the incident.

Officials also stated that staff had contacted the affected students to offer support and connect them with resources.

The Black Student Union called for meaningful accountability.

Its president, Demetrick Stringer Jr., said the incident had contributed to some students feeling unwelcome and unsafe.

He urged university leaders to consider appropriate disciplinary measures and strengthen education about racial respect.

As of November 12, the university had not publicly announced a final disciplinary finding or confirmed that any student had been expelled because of the incident.

Why Ole Miss’s History Has Returned to the Discussion

The video has also renewed attention to the University of Mississippi’s complicated civil rights history.

In 1962, James Meredith became the university’s first Black student after a lengthy legal battle.

His admission was met by violent resistance and a riot that required federal intervention.

More than six decades later, Ole Miss has made changes to its campus and public idenтιтy.

However, incidents involving racially offensive conduct have continued to generate concern.

In 2024, another widely shared video captured monkey-like gestures directed at a Black woman during a campus demonstration.

The latest incident has prompted students and parents to question whether the university has done enough to address discriminatory behavior.

The Students Say They Are Not Leaving

Despite the controversy, Metcalf, Caldwell and Johnson say they intend to continue their education at Ole Miss.

They described the importance of speaking publicly rather than allowing their experience to be dismissed.

Johnson encouraged others who encounter similar behavior to share their experiences and seek accountability.

Their message was about more than one viral video.

They want students to feel respected and safe in their own living spaces.

They also want university officials to respond in a way that demonstrates the seriousness of discriminatory behavior.

What Happens Next?

The university’s investigation remains the central process for determining whether student conduct rules were violated and what consequences, if any, should follow.

Investigators may consider the Ring footage, witness accounts, statements from those involved and other relevant information.

Public criticism, apologies and fundraising campaigns do not replace that process.

Three Black students say they were confronted with degrading behavior outside their apartment. One woman has apologized. Another is accused of continuing the gestures after being confronted. And a university with a deeply significant civil rights history is again facing questions about accountability.

The 13-second recording made the incident visible to millions.

But for the students who live in that apartment, the consequences extend far beyond social media.

They say they simply want the same thing every college student deserves: the ability to feel safe, respected and welcome in the place they call home.

Sources

ᴀssociated Press — November 11, 2026

Black Ole Miss students describe the confrontation, apology and continuing controversy