Ole Miss Investigates Viral Doorbell Camera Video Showing Racist Gestures Outside Black Student’s Apartment

Ole Miss Investigates Viral Video of Racist Gestures

The University of Mississippi is investigating a disturbing incident after doorbell camera footage appearing to show two students making racially offensive gestures and monkey-like noises outside a Black student’s apartment sparked widespread outrage across social media.

The 13-second recording, which circulated online over the weekend, shows three women walking past an apartment door occupied by three Black University of Mississippi students. Two of the women appear to beat their chests and imitate monkey noises while approaching the doorbell camera.

The video was shared by Ole Miss freshman Jakiyra Metcalf, who tagged the university in her social media post and questioned how administrators would respond to the incident. The footage quickly attracted national attention, accumulating millions of views and prompting calls for the university to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

What Happened Outside the Ole Miss Student’s Apartment?

According to the timestamp on the doorbell camera footage, the incident occurred around 8:37 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026. The recording shows three women walking through the apartment breezeway. Two appear to make monkey-like noises and gestures while passing the camera, including beating their chests and moving toward the device. The third woman is also visible in the recording but does not appear to make the same gestures.

Metcalf shared the footage on TikTok on November 7, tagging the University of Mississippi and asking the institution to address what happened. Metcalf later indicated that the women were allegedly neighbors living upstairs in the same apartment complex. The apartment is shared by three Black female students, including Metcalf.

The recording prompted widespread criticism, with viewers questioning how students could engage in behavior targeting fellow students based on race, particularly outside their own homes.

University of Mississippi Launches Investigation

The University of Mississippi confirmed that it is investigating the incident and publicly condemned the behavior shown in the recording. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead addressed the controversy in a November 8 statement to the university community, describing the conduct as deeply troubling, hurtful and unacceptable.

The university confirmed that its Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct and Office of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance are reviewing the incident. University officials also said they had contacted the students directly affected by the incident to provide information, resources and support.

Mead emphasized that the behavior does not reflect the university’s values or its commitment to maintaining a respectful campus community. The university also explained that federal student privacy protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, commonly known as FERPA, limit what it can disclose about individual student conduct investigations and potential disciplinary actions.

University Warns Against False Accusations

As the video spread online, speculation about the identities and affiliations of the women began circulating across social media. The university specifically warned that at least one student had been incorrectly identified in online posts.

Mead also clarified that no members of the university’s sorority community were involved in the incident, contradicting social media claims attempting to connect the women to a particular sorority.

The university’s Alpha Phi chapter also addressed the rumors, explaining that its members had been mistakenly associated with the incident because of similarities in names. The chapter said the false accusations had caused distress to students, their families and the organization. It urged social media users to remove inaccurate posts and stop sharing the names, photographs and personal information of individuals who were not involved.

The university encouraged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.

Black Student Union Condemns the Behavior

The incident also prompted a response from the University of Mississippi’s Black Student Union. President Demetrick M. Stringer Jr. condemned the behavior, emphasizing the historical significance of comparing Black people to monkeys and apes.

The organization said the gestures carry a painful history and can contribute to Black students feeling unwelcome or unsafe in their own living environments. The Black Student Union called for appropriate disciplinary action if the students involved are found responsible, emphasizing the importance of addressing race-based harassment under university policies.

The organization also called on the university to reinforce its expectations for student conduct and respect through its campus values and educational programs.

Ole Miss Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Racial Incidents

The latest controversy has also brought renewed attention to a separate incident at the University of Mississippi in May 2024. During a campus demonstration related to the Israel-Hamas war, a white counterprotester was filmed making monkey-like noises and gestures toward a Black woman participating in the protest.

The incident generated widespread criticism and prompted a university conduct investigation. The student was also removed from his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta.

The two incidents occurred under different circumstances, but both have raised questions about racism, student conduct and the university’s responsibility to maintain an environment where students feel respected.

What Happens Next?

The University of Mississippi has confirmed that the investigation remains active. However, officials have not publicly announced disciplinary decisions involving the students shown in the footage.

The university says it will follow established procedures while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the campus community. As the video continues circulating, the university’s response and the outcome of its investigation are likely to remain under public scrutiny.