The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity has identified a house mother at its University of Oklahoma chapter who was captured in a viral video appearing to repeatedly use the N-word.
The fraternity identified her as Beauton Gilbow. In a statement, Brandon E. Weghorst, a spokesman for the national fraternity, said that neither the national organization nor its local alumni endorsed the behavior.
"This is racist, deplorable behavior, and we cannot allow this type of hateful mentality to be present in any of our chapters or members and certainly not with adult peers with whom they interact," he said.
On Monday, the university shut down the SAE chapter and ordered the fraternity house closed after video emerged of fraternity members singing a chant that included racist language. The university said Tuesday that its president had expelled two students involved in the video.
NBC News could not immediately verify the circumstances or context of the video of Gilbow.
In a statement provided to NBC affiliate KFOR, Gilbow said she was "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," Gilbow said in the statement. "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."
IN-DEPTH
- University of Oklahoma Fraternity Student, Family Apologize for Racist Chant
- Oklahoma Expels Two Students Involved in Racist Video
- Video Didn't Shock President of Black Student Association
