Ex-University of Kentucky student pleads guilty in racist tirade, assault case

CINCINNATI — A former University of Kentucky student pleaded guilty on Monday after hurling racial slurs and assaulting another student in a campus dormitory in 2022.

Sophia Rosing, 23, of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to four counts of misdemeanor assault, as well as disorderly conduct and public intoxication, Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney Kimberly Baird said. In exchange for Rosing's plea, prosecutors agreed to reduce a felony assault on a police officer charge to a misdemeanor.

Fred Peters, Rosing's attorney, said the plea followed mediation between Rosing and the victims, which allowed the parties to talk for the first time since the November 2022 incident. As part of mediation, the victims were allowed to confront Rosing about what happened, Baird said, adding that the victims ultimately supported Rosing taking a plea.

The case entered the public eye after videos were posted online in 2022. In them, a woman, who authorities later identified as Rosing, is seen struggling with the desk clerk and later with the police. The video also captured her repeatedly using racial slurs.

'She kicked me and bit my hand'

Rosing's charges stem from a Nov. 6, 2022, racist tirade and assault of a Black student. It started when Rosing was arrested after a confrontation at Boyd Hall.

According to a citation from the University of Kentucky Police Department, an officer responded to the residence hall for a report of a woman assaulting staff members. The citation stated Rosing was in a corner repeating a racial slur to "a group of black females" and continued to use the word as the officer removed her from the area, adding that Rosing was "very intoxicated."

The officer wrote that Rosing said she "has lots of money," and gets "special treatment." "When I told her to sit back in the chair she kicked me and bit my hand," the officer wrote.

Rosing was arrested and was later permanently banned from campus. UK President Eli Capilouoto announced on social media that she would not be permitted to re-enroll at the university.

"As a community working to prevent racist violence, we also must be committed to holding people accountable for their actions," Capilouoto wrote at the time.

Peters said Rosing was forced to leave school in her senior year and has struggled to hold a job due to the criminal charges and subsequent publicity.

"Her life's been on hold since this happened," he said.

Rosing faces a maximum of a year behind bars, though her attorney plans to ask for probation. She must also complete 100 hours of community service.

Court records indicate Rosing is expected to appear in Fayette County Circuit Court for sentencing on Oct. 17.

Contributing: Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY