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The mom of a black Ole Miss freshman who filmed white co-eds making racist monkey noises and gestures outside of their apartment revealed Wednesday that she hates that one of the students has withdrawn from the campus.
The unidentified parent expressed regret over Alaina Kunes’s decision to terminate her studies at the University of Mississippi — just three months after starting at the Oxford, Miss., university.
“I hate that she withdrew from the school,” the parent told CBS Mornings. “You see what I’m saying, because the course of her life, that’s going to affect her too.
“That’s somebody’s child, so that bothers me because I don’t like to see kids – you know, you just started, these babies, they’re 18. So I hate that for the young people. I wish people [would] be mindful and just think.”
Kunes, an 18-year-old Wisconsin native, cited safety and harassment concerns for dropping out after identifying herself as one of the three white women in the now-viral clip.
However, one of the three freshmen who live in the residence claimed Kunes’ move was right for “her peace and safety.”
“I feel it was like a good option for her,” they said.
Kunes issued a groveling apology via the law firm, Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona, after fessing up to being one of the women involved.
“To the women I offended and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize,” she said.
A CBS Mornings Exclusive: The University of Mississippi freshmen who captured the viral video of two white students making monkey gestures and sounds outside their apartment door speak out for the first time. The students and one of their mothers tell @Jerickaduncan how they feel… pic.twitter.com/aOPFbUXwAg
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) November 11, 2026
“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.”
Kunes is the granddaughter of Gregg Kunes – the owner of Wisconsin-based Kunes Auto Group. The company owns some 50 dealerships across four Midwestern states.
The freshman withdrew from the college less than three months into the fall semester.
The clip, timestamped Nov. 6 at approximately 8:37 p.m., showed two women walking up to the apartment door — with the first beating her chest and making monkey sounds.
A second woman made the same sound toward the camera, while a third walked past. The video sparked widespread outrage after circulating on social media.
The two other students have not been identified but Shawnboda Mead, the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi, branded the clip “deeply troubling, hurtful, and unacceptable.”
She said the behavior “does not reflect our university’s values or the kind of community we strive to be every day.”
Mead said the incident is being actively investigated by the university.
“We are committed to following our established processes to ensure a thorough review while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our campus community,” the statement read.
“Racism and actions that disparage people because of an aspect of their identity have no place in our campus community.”
