Ole Miss Student Alaina Kunes Receives Death Threats After Viral Racist Gesture Controversy
A University of Mississippi student who became the focus of a viral controversy over alleged racist gestures is reportedly receiving death threats, raising fresh concerns about online harassment and escalating hostility.
Alaina Kunes, who was identified in a viral doorbell camera video, has reportedly faced hundreds of threatening messages alongside her family. One particularly disturbing voicemail allegedly threatened her life and warned her father, Scott Kunes, against sending her back to the university.
Threatening Voicemail Targets Alaina Kunes and Her Family
According to a report by TMZ published Thursday, November 12, an unidentified caller left a threatening voicemail for Scott Kunes.
The caller allegedly threatened to hang his daughter and claimed that she would face violence if she returned to school on Monday.
The message reportedly included repeated threats against Alaina, with the caller claiming to be associated with the University of Mississippi.
Sources also told TMZ that the family had received hundreds of similar messages.
How the Ole Miss Racist Gesture Controversy Started
The controversy began after student Jakiyra Metcalf shared a doorbell camera video on TikTok.
The footage showed three women walking past the apartment of Black residents. Two women appeared to make monkey-like noises and gestures toward the camera.
The video quickly gained attention online, triggering widespread criticism and discussions about racism on college campuses.
Alaina Kunes later identified herself as one of the women involved.
Key Details About the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Mississippi |
| Student | Alaina Kunes |
| Video Shared By | Jakiyra Metcalf |
| Incident | Alleged racist gestures |
| Latest Development | Reported death threats |
| University Status | Kunes has withdrawn |
Alaina Kunes Issues an Apology
In statements shared with Action News 5 and ABC 24, Kunes described her behavior as “insensitive, inappropriate, and deeply harmful.”
She also said she had never met the women involved before the incident and was unaware of their race.
Meanwhile, Metcalf and her roommates discussed the incident during an appearance on CBS Mornings on November 11.
They explained that another woman in the footage allegedly continued making gestures even while Kunes was apologizing.
Family Calls for an End to Harassment
A spokesperson for Kunes told TMZ that Alaina and her family had experienced intense harassment and threats of violence.
The spokesperson also raised concerns about fake fundraising campaigns circulating online and the hostility directed toward Metcalf and her roommates, Victoria G. Johnson and Kaiyden Caldwell.
The family expressed hope that the situation would eventually move toward peace and healing.
What Happens Next?
The controversy highlights how quickly viral incidents can escalate into serious online harassment. While criticism and accountability are important, threats of violence against individuals and their families raise separate and serious concerns.
Whether authorities will investigate the reported threats remains unclear based on the available reports.
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Editorial note: This article is based on the information and source material provided. Threats and allegations are attributed to the cited reports and have not been independently verified.