University of Mississippi freshman Alaina Kunes has issued a public apology after a video showing students making monkey noises and gestures outside an apartment occupied by three Black students went viral.
Kunes, 18, released a statement through her attorney on Tuesday, November 10, apologizing to the women involved and the Ole Miss community.
The video, recorded on November 6, shows three students walking past an apartment door. Two appear to make animal noises and gestures toward a doorbell camera, while a third walks behind them.
According to CBS 58, the apartment belongs to an Ole Miss freshman and her two roommates, all of whom are Black.
Kunes acknowledged that her actions were inappropriate but maintained that she did not know the women living inside the apartment.
“To the women I offended and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize,” Kunes said in her statement.
“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.”
Alaina Kunes Says She Never Intended to Target Black Students
In her statement, Kunes insisted that she would not have knowingly directed the behavior toward people of color.
“I would have never intentionally made those noises or gestures toward a person of color,” she said.
“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.”
Kunes also addressed the impact of her behavior on the students who lived in the apartment.
“These girls deserve to feel seen and understood and what I did is not a reflection of who I am trying to become,” she added.
TMZ previously reported that sources familiar with the incident described the students’ behavior as an attempt at harmless fun.
According to those sources, the women were making animal noises at multiple apartment doors as they walked past them.
The video shows two women making the gestures and noises while a third student walks behind them and glances toward the door.
Ole Miss Student Claims Family Received Threats Following Viral Video
Kunes also addressed the backlash she and her family have faced since the video circulated online.
“Over the past several days, my family and I have received death threats and harassment,” she said.
“I am grateful for the authorities working to ensure our safety.”
The freshman said she plans to cooperate with the university as officials investigate the incident.
“As I intend to cooperate fully with the University’s investigation, I ask for privacy for my family,” Kunes continued.
“I understand the seriousness of this situation and remain committed to taking responsibility and learning from this embarrassing ordeal.”
According to her attorney, Kunes has ties to Wisconsin-based Kunes Auto Group.
The company previously faced a separate controversy in January 2025, when a woman in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, reported finding a racial slur printed on an oil change sticker attached to her vehicle after a service appointment.
CBS 58 reported that Kunes Auto Group fired the employee responsible for that incident.
University of Mississippi Investigates as ACLU Reviews Complaints
The University of Mississippi has confirmed that officials are aware of the video and are investigating.
Shawnboda Mead, the university’s vice chancellor for student affairs, addressed the incident in a message to the campus community.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at the University of Mississippi,” Mead said.
“Racism and actions that disparage people because of an aspect of their identity have no place in our campus community.”
Mead also emphasized the university’s responsibility to provide a welcoming environment for students.
“We remain committed to ensuring our actions reflect the foundational values of dignity and respect for every individual and fostering an environment where all students are cared for and feel they belong,” Mead continued.
The American Civil Liberties Union has also become involved following complaints about the incident.
According to TMZ, the organization is reviewing several complaints related to the video.
Ole Miss Student Alaina Kunes Breaks Silence on Viral Monkey Noises Video