Student fundraiser raises $15,000 amid backlash over viral video
A $15,000 fundraiser for University of Mississippi student Lauren Mayfield has drawn criticism after a viral video showed her making monkey‑like gestures outside a Black student apartment.
Key points
- The video was recorded on November 6, 2026, and shows Mayfield and Alaina Kunes making gestures outside an Oxford apartment where Black students lived.
- Three Black freshmen reported the incident to CBS Mornings and said Kunes apologized while Mayfield continued the gestures.
- The university is investigating; Kunes, an 18‑year‑old freshman from Wisconsin, has withdrawn and issued a public apology.
- A fundraiser on GiveSendGo has raised more than $15,000 toward a $20,000 goal; the organizer says the money is for lost income and will be withdrawn if Mayfield apologizes.
- Donors have urged Mayfield not to apologize, and it is unclear if she is connected to the fundraiser or will receive the funds.
A GiveSendGo campaign titled "Stand with Lauren" has raised more than $15,000 toward a $20,000 target for University of Mississippi student Lauren Mayfield, following a viral Ring doorbell video that sparked widespread criticism. The footage, captured on November 6, 2026, shows Mayfield and Alaina Kunes making monkey-like gestures and noises outside an apartment in Oxford, Mississippi, where Black students resided.
Three Black freshmen, Jakiyra Metcalf, Kaiyden Caldwell, and Victoria G. Johnson, described the incident in an interview with CBS Mornings on November 11. Metcalf stated she discovered the recording on her doorbell camera and confronted the two women outside. According to the students, Kunes apologized for the behavior, while Mayfield allegedly continued the gestures. Johnson told CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan, “She continued to make the gestures after the girl was apologizing. It was like a slap in the face.”
The incident prompted a university investigation and a public apology from Kunes, an 18-year-old freshman from Wisconsin. Kunes has since withdrawn from the university. Her family connections to the Kunes Auto Group in Wisconsin drew additional attention, though the company stated she has no professional involvement with the business.
Tom Hennessey, the organizer of the fundraiser for Mayfield, maintains that she did nothing wrong and broke no laws by making noises in a public walkway. Hennessey stated the funds are intended to help Mayfield cover lost income or missed opportunities so she will not feel pressured to “bend the knee.” He warned that he would shut down the campaign if Mayfield issued an apology. Several donors have also urged Mayfield not to apologize, with some contributions made anonymously. It remains unclear whether Mayfield has a direct connection to the fundraiser or will receive the raised funds.
Your questions, answered
What happened in the viral video involving Lauren Mayfield?
The video shows Mayfield and Alaina Kunes making monkey‑like gestures outside a Black student apartment in Oxford, Mississippi, on November 6, 2026.
Why is there a fundraiser for Lauren Mayfield?
A GiveSendGo campaign titled "Stand with Lauren" raised over $15,000 to help Mayfield cover lost income or missed opportunities, according to the organizer.
How does this story make you feel?
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