Lauren Mayfield: Ole Miss Student Who Made Monkey Noises Outside Black Students’ Door Gets Fundraiser Amid Backlash

One of the Ole Miss students accused of making monkey noises outside a Black classmate’s apartment is receiving thousands of dollars in donations from supporters who say they do not want her to apologize. A GiveSendGo campaign “Stand with Lauren” has been set up for Lauren Mayfield, who was identified as the blonde woman in the viral Ring camera footage.

The fundraiser has already collected more than $15,000 toward its $20,000 target. Fundraiser organizer Tom Hennessey maintains that Lauren did nothing wrong, arguing that she broke no laws by making noises in a public walkway and has no reason to apologize. Several contributions to the campaign have been made anonymously.

Gaining Her Supporters

Several donors have also urged her not to say sorry. Hennessey says the money raised will help Lauren make up for any lost income or missed opportunities, so she won’t feel pressured to “bend the knee.” He has also warned that he will shut down the fundraiser if she issues an apology.

Lauren was one of the students caught on video making monkey noises and gestures outside an apartment where Black students lived, TMZ had reported earlier. The footage triggered widespread backlash and prompted a university investigation.

It remains unclear whether Lauren has any connection to the fundraiser or will receive any of the money raised. However, the donations and messages from supporters suggest that many are standing behind her.

Meanwhile, another student seen in the video, Alaina Kunes, apologized and withdrew from Ole Miss following the public outcry. In a statement provided to CBS 58 News, Kunes, 18, said: “To the women I offended and to the Ole Miss community, I sincerely apologize,”

She added: “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,” the coed claimed, and added that she had personally apologized to the insulted women.

“I pray they will forgive me.”

Family Receives Death Threats

Kunes also said that she and her family have been receiving death threats and facing harassment since social media users identified her as one of the people in the video. Her father, Scott Kunes, previously served as chief operating officer of Wisconsin-based Kunes Auto Group.

The dealership chain operates about 50 locations across four Midwestern states.

Kunes Auto Group has faced controversy before. In February 2025, protesters gathered after a Black customer alleged that a service sticker placed on her vehicle during an oil change at a Wisconsin dealership contained the N-word.

Earlier this year, another customer reportedly accused a Kunes salesman of sending her a racist text message that included a picture of a dancing ape wearing a swimsuit.

A company spokesperson said Kunes Auto Group responded to both incidents by immediately firing the employees involved and publicly condemning their behavior as contrary to its values.

The spokesperson also confirmed to The New York Post that Scott Kunes left the company in February.

Alaina Kunes, meanwhile, “has no employment, ownership, or professional affiliation” with the dealership group, the spokesperson added.