OXFORD, Miss. — The racial controversy surrounding three Black University of Mississippi students has taken another disturbing turn after far-right activist Jake Lang appeared in a video wearing a gorilla mask outside what appears to be the women’s apartment.
Lang, whose legal name is Edward Jacob Lang, reportedly recorded himself wearing the mask, beating his chest and making mocking remarks, including saying, “Chimping out!”
He also reportedly posted a derogatory racial insult directed at one of the students.
The video comes just days after Ring doorbell footage showed white women making monkey noises and gestures outside the apartment shared by three Black Ole Miss students: Jakiyra Metcalf, Kaiyden Caldwell and Victoria Johnson.
The original incident sparked widespread outrage and prompted an investigation by university officials.
Lang’s appearance represents a troubling escalation, bringing an outside political activist into an already distressing situation for the students.
Who is Jake Lang?
Lang is a far-right activist and January 6 Capitol rioter who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2025.
Since his release, he has faced multiple encounters with law enforcement.
Most recently, Lang was arrested in Texas in connection with an alleged threat against Karmelo Anthony during Anthony’s murder trial.
According to CBS News Texas, Lang allegedly threatened to shoot Anthony in the head if the jury did not convict him.
A judge subsequently reduced Lang’s bond to $250,000 and imposed conditions that included GPS monitoring and a prohibition against entering Texas except for court appearances or meetings with his attorney.
Lang has been charged with making a terroristic threat. The allegations remain pending, and he has denied wrongdoing.
Ole Miss responds
University Chancellor Glenn Boyce has publicly addressed the controversy, condemning conduct that targets people because of their identity.
In his November 12 statement, Boyce also addressed the actions of an individual who came onto campus and attempted to antagonize the students.
The university said it supports First Amendment rights while making clear that such behavior does not reflect its campus values.
Meanwhile, the university confirmed that Alaina Kunes, one of the women identified in the original doorbell camera footage, is no longer enrolled.
Kunes previously apologized, describing her actions as insensitive, inappropriate and deeply harmful. Her departure has been reported as a voluntary withdrawal, although the university has not publicly detailed the circumstances.
The original incident remains under university investigation.
For Metcalf, Caldwell and Johnson, the latest development means that an incident that began outside their front door continues to attract unwanted attention.
The three students deserve to feel safe in their own home and on their university campus.
This story is developing.
