White counter-protesters spew racist taunts at Black pro-Palestine protester calling her 'Lizzo'
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI: A group of White men yelled racial slurs at a Black pro-Palestine protester, insulted her physical features, and called her "Lizzo," reported TMZ.
The unfortunate event happened at the University of Mississippi on Thursday, May 2, when a group of White counter-protesters zeroed in on a Black woman who was demonstrating in support of Palestine. Both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel sides were holding dueling protests inside the campus when things turned violent.
What happened at the University of Mississippi?
In a video shared on the X account @StaceyJSpiehler, which was later reposted by TMZ, a Black woman was seen standing alone behind a barricade with a group of White men at a short distance shouting at her. Most of them insulted the women's weights, involving the rapper Lizzo's name. Some also called her a b****, along with other explicit names.
An ugly scene went down at the University of Mississippi -- when a group of white counter-protesters spouted racist taunts at a black pro-Palestine protester and insulted her weight. Details here: https://t.co/4rWKpJM27B pic.twitter.com/aZG77lPfnq
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 3, 2024
In addition, one of the men who was screaming at her mimicked the voice and actions of a monkey.
The woman who was live-streaming the racial attack against her on her phone crossed the barricade at one point, trying to reach the White men. However, law enforcement officials stopped her.
Toward the end of the video, the pro-Israel White men could be heard saying "see you" to the Black woman, along with someone mocking her with a gorilla sound.
Though the racist gesture received widespread criticism, Rep Mike Collins from Georgia posted the video on X and praised it. "Ole Miss taking care of business," the congressman wrote.
The University of Mississippi denounced the altercation that took place inside the campus. "Statements were made at the demonstration on our campus Thursday that were offensive and inappropriate. Any actions that violate university policy will be met with appropriate action," the university said.
Despite the incident, the protests at the University of Mississippi were peaceful, and neither arrests nor injuries were reported.
The altercation splits social media
Netizens had divided opinions about the racial slurs against the Black woman at the University of Mississippi. When some deemed it "sickening," another group asked why she was protesting there.
One user called it "Sickening." While another said, "She is the instigator."
"It doesn’t take much to bring out their inherited racism," a user remarked. Whereas one response read, "What is she out there protesting for something that is not her business?"
It doesn’t take much to bring out their inherited racism.
— Anthony Bibbs (@AnthonyBibbs19) May 3, 2024
What is she out there protesting for something that is not her business?
— Dj Speccs 🇺🇸✊🏽💯 Foundational Black American B1 (@DjSpeccs) May 3, 2024
Someone else added, "Someone needs to contact his fraternity or find out what fraternity he's in or if he's even in a fraternity. He definitely should be expelled from Ole Miss if he is in fact a student. At any rate, anyone that was taunting this woman should've been removed from the situation."
An individual wrote, "I truly don't understand how Black people get involved in that. Let Israel and Palestine settle their differences!" Another added, "Can't be obese on the front line."
Someone needs to contact his fraternity or find out what fraternity he's in or if he's even in a fraternity. He definitely should be expelled from Ole Miss if he is in fact a student. At any rate, anyone that was taunting this woman should've been removed from the situation
— Julie B (@JulieB39233275) May 3, 2024
I truly don't understand how Black people get involved in that. Let Israel and Palestine settle their differences!
— Papapoul (@papapoulyo) May 3, 2024
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