Beauton Gilbow, the house mother for the University of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter, has released a statement about the video that surfaced in which she repeatedly says the n-word.

Beauton Gilbow Caught Saying N-Word On Video

Gilbow worked at OU’s SAE house for 15 years, and has found herself at the center of the recent OU racist chant video controversy after a short Vine video of her saying the n-word surfaced online. The video, which was originally posted in 2013, shows a close up of Gilbow repeatedly saying the n-word. The Vine has since been deleted, but the video remains online. In the video, Gilbow appears to be singing along to Trinidad James’ rap song, “All Gold Everything.”

Gilbow had previously been seen as a victim of the fraternity’s actions – as a resident of the SAE house, Gilbow lost her home and her job when the University ordered the chapter’s closure. But, after the release of the video, many were wondering whether Gilbow encouraged the fraternity’s behavior, or whether her seemingly casual use of the n-word was evidence of a wider, fraternity-wide attitude.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, which denies any knowledge of the racist chant caught on video, released a statement addressing the new video of Gilbow, distancing themselves from her employment.

“Her behavior, just as the chapter members’ behavior, is unacceptable, especially given her role as a peer and adviser. She was not an employee of the national organization but rather an employee of the local house corporation,” SAE said in their official statement.

The Greek organization added that it had worked to help Gilbow and fellow OU SAE employee, Howard Dixon, the chapter’s African-American chef, find other job placements after the closure of the house.

Gilbow herself issued a statement on Wednesday, saying she was “heartbroken” by events of the week and insisting she is not a racist:

“I have been made aware of a video of me that is circulating on social media and in the news. I am heartbroken by the portrayal that I am in some way racist. I have friends of all race and do not tolerate any form of discrimination in my life. I was singing along to a Trinidad song, but completely understand how the video must appear in the context of the events that occurred this week.”

SAE Alums Defend Beauton Gilbow

Meanwhile, two University of Oklahoma SAE alums, both black males, have publicly defended Gilbow against the allegations that she is a racist. William Bruce James II, the most recent black member of the chapter, said that, while he doesn’t approve of the use of the n-word in any way, he also does not believe that Gilbow, or ‘Mom B’ as he calls her, is racist.

“That word needs to die. With that being said, I don’t believe that Mom B. has hatred in her heart. I was there with her for four years. She took great care of me… Mom B means a lot to me,” said James.

Jonathon Davis, the first black member of the SAE chapter, agreed, saying, “I wouldn’t even hesitate for a split second to say that Mom B. is undoubtedly not a racist.”

Davis defended Gilbow, suggesting that she the video, while offensive, simply shows Gilbow getting caught up in having fun with the young students in the house.

“I see her as being caught up in the moment. She does like to mix it up socially, and she likes to have fun with the guys and their dates they bring over to the house. And I see this as maybe her getting caught away with the moment,” Davis explained.

It is unclear what Gilbow will do now that her job at SAE is no more. A GoFundMe page had been set up for Gilbow, but was reportedly taken down after the Vine video surfaced. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page for Dixon is still running and has raised over $60,000.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.