Over the weekend, a shocking video emerged showing a young man violently assaulting Kayla Bryant, a student at Clark Atlanta University (CAU). The distressing footage quickly spread across social media platforms, leading to an outpouring of outrage and concern for Bryant’s safety. As a result of this virality, Atlanta police have arrested the alleged assailant, identified as 21-year-old Matthew Gonzales Forestine, a student at Morehouse College. He now faces serious charges including aggravated assault and making terroristic threats, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta.
The incident took place on November 21, when Bryant posted a TikTok video detailing the altercation. In her account, Bryant explained that the confrontation began on a campus shuttle, where Forestine allegedly stepped on her foot. Despite her polite request for an apology, he did not respond, which eventually led to escalating tensions.
Bryant recalled in her video, “He steps on me and I say, ‘Excuse me, can you apologize?’ And he didn’t say anything. As I’m walking off the shuttle, his girlfriend is standing there….” This seemingly innocuous beginning transformed rapidly into a disturbing encounter.
The situation intensified when Forestine’s girlfriend confronted Bryant. In a heated exchange, the girlfriend was heard asking Forestine, “You got it, bae?” Subsequently, things escalated dramatically as Forestine picked Bryant up and began strangling her. Bryant described the terrifying experience, saying, “I couldn’t breathe, and I was kicking off the walls to gain balance,” while he allegedly threatened her life.
As the video circulated, it garnered unprecedented attention, amassing over 4.5 million views. Viewers reacted with horror and a collective call for accountability regarding Forestine’s actions. The incident has sparked widespread discussions on social media platforms, reflecting a growing concern about violence, especially against women, in academic environments.
In response to the incident, both Morehouse College and CAU issued statements expressing their dismay at the events. Morehouse College’s statement underscored that the behavior displayed in the video was “disappointing and completely inconsistent” with the institution’s values and expectations of community members. Dr. F. Dubois, the president of Morehouse, emphasized that violence, in any form, is intolerable: “Morehouse Men are expected to embody values of compassion and moral discipline,” he stated.
Similarly, CAU President George T. French Jr. expressed grave concern over the assault. “As the president of this institution, my first priority is the safety and well-being of our students,” he affirmed. He condemned the violence displayed in the video, categorizing it as unacceptable and antithetical to the community’s values. French highlighted that both institutions must take an active role in addressing such allegations and ensuring the safety of all students.
This disturbing incident not only highlights individual acts of violence but also shines a light on broader societal issues. It raises questions about how educational institutions can foster a safer environment for students, particularly women, and what measures can be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future. As students and community members confront the fallout from this event, it is evident that ongoing discussions and actions are required to foster an environment free from violence and intimidation.