Former UK student Sophia Rosing involved in racist attack files for early release from jail
Sophia Rosing, the former University of Kentucky student who pleaded guilty to several charges after a racist attack on a Black student, has filed a motion for probation and early release from jail, according to court documents.
In November 2022, Rosing physically assaulted and used racial slurs toward a student desk clerk, Kylah Spring. Spring, who is Black, was working at the front desk of a UK residence hall at the time. Video of the attack and arrest — including of Rosing attacking a police officer who was called to the dorm — went viral.
Rosing pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of public intoxication last year. She was sentenced to 12 months in jail, 100 hours of community service and a $25 fine, her attorney Fred Peters told the Herald-Leader at the time.
Now, she is asking for probation after being in jail since October 2024. The filing states that Rosing’s “actions led to consequences she never anticipated.”
“Clouded by excessive drinking, she lost control, directing unprovoked aggression and offensive language toward fellow student Kylah Spring,” the document says. “The incident, captured on video and shared nationwide, was more than just a misstep, it was a profound failure in judgment, one she deeply regrets and wishes she could undo.”
Rosing’s actions “do not pose an ongoing threat to public safety,” the document continues, and requests probation with supervision, community service and rehabilitation programs for the remainder of her sentence.
“Since her arrest, Sophia has dedicated herself to personal growth and accountability,” the filing says. “She intends to seek professional counseling, complete alcohol treatment programs, and enroll in racial sensitivity training. Through reflection and action, she is determined to use this experience as a catalyst for change rather than allowing it to define her by the worst decisions of one night.”
Rosing was initially charged with first and second offenses of public intoxication, third-degree assault of a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. She posted a $10,000 bond the next night and was released.
A grand jury indicted Rosing in February 2023, and soon after she entered a plea of not guilty.
What happened the night of the attack
Rosing, a white student, entered Boyd Hall and began taunting, using racial slurs and making derogatory comments toward Spring. After police arrived, Rosing continued using slurs, resisted arrest and bit a police officer, according to the arrest report.
The video was captured and shared on social media, quickly going viral and putting the spotlight on UK.
The university banned Rosing from campus, and she withdrew from UK shortly after being arrested. Rosing was terminated from her job at Dillard’s, according to the company, and lost a social media partnership.
A march was held on UK’s campus after the incident, where hundreds of students gathered to support Spring, make a call for unity and insist UK take action.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM.