The University of Mississippi is investigating an incident captured on a Ring camera showing three white women making racist monkey gestures outside a student's apartment. The footage, shared online by student Jakiyra Metcalf, timestamped November 6 at approximately 8:37 p.m., shows two of the women banging on their chests and making monkey noises.
Metcalf posted the video on TikTok with the caption, "what do we have to say about this?" The video quickly went viral. A third woman walked behind the others with a smile as they moved away from the apartment door, laughing. Metcalf later commented that the women were their upstairs neighbors.
Another resident of the apartment, Bethany Joyy, wrote on Facebook that the students heard the noises from inside the apartment. After reviewing the Ring footage, they confronted the women, who allegedly continued the monkey sounds and later claimed they were "stimming." Joyy stated that after apologizing, one of the women asked if the video would be deleted.
A representative for the University of Mississippi confirmed they are aware of the video and are investigating. "The institution condemns the offensive, hurtful and unacceptable behaviors" depicted in the footage. The university is committed to "maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors and will follow our processes to ensure the well-being and safety of our community."
The identity of the women has been speculated on social media, but remains unconfirmed. The incident has drawn widespread outrage online, with many commenters expressing their disgust and urging the university to take disciplinary action. One user wrote, "This is absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. College is supposed to be a place where young adults can learn, grow and feel safe."