Widget not in any sidebars
Celebrities come out in support for boy bullied at school after emotional video of him in tears goes viral
#StandWithKeaton
Keaton Jones, a middle school kid has spoken out against those who bully him and others in a video clip that’s making waves on the Internet — and earning him a slew of famous friends.
In a video posted on Facebook, Friday, by his mother, Tennessee student Keaton Jones emotionally explained how he was bullied at school.
“They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends,” Keaton told his mother in a car with tears in his eyes. He added that things even get physical at lunch, when bullies “put milk on me and put ham down my clothes, throw bread on me.”
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully? What’s the point of it?” he asked. “Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them? It’s not okay.”
Keaton said he also feels for others who suffer through similar situations.
“I don’t like that they do it to me. And I, for sure, don’t like that they do it to other people, cause it’s not okay!” he told his mother. “People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault.”
The emotional video of his experience at school quickly went viral, viewed by more than 21 million views and 400 shares on Facebook since it was published, and it reached even more eyeballs as it spread to other social platforms. On Twitter, hundreds of tweets surfaced with the #StandWithKeaton hashtag. It also grabbed the attention of celebrities across the different industries, who pledged to help Keaton in any way they can.
Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano (@BroadwayJay2) spent the day with viral bullying victim Keaton Jones ❤️ https://t.co/p26Jmwf5Bz pic.twitter.com/iNrztCMmWl
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 11, 2017
Keaton, will you’ve my guest at the Premiere of #InfinityWar too? I think you are about one of the coolest kids I have ever seen! Can’t wait to meet you in person, pal. Forget those ignorant kids. One day, very soon, they are going to feel pretty stupid for this. https://t.co/BqJLxu25GN
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 11, 2017
Widget not in any sidebars
Keaton, I got your back. I am getting ready for my fight, but say the word and I’m there. Come be a part of of my training camp. You’re not alone. Anything you need I got you! https://t.co/yJY22jq4cd
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) December 11, 2017
Hey #keatonjones – you can come eat nachos with me anytime 😊 People should be loved for their individuality and not bullied! Our @ufc family is here for you any day. https://t.co/O0XPp8Asu7
— Vanessa Hanson (@vanessa_hanson) December 10, 2017
Well, it’s pretty clear all of us fighters here in the @ufc are behind young man. At this point you can pick a state and there’s a @ufc fighter there willing to help. I’ve been in your shoes and Im holding down #Nebraska if you need a friend. Just say the word, Keaton. 🤘🏽👍🏽 https://t.co/E9fILTP52B
— Anthony Smith (@lionheartasmith) December 10, 2017
Many other athletes, actors, and well-known figures, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter Bernice, also sent messages of support on social media.
“Friends, overwhelmed is the understatement of the world right now,” Keaton’s mother, Kimberly, wrote on Facebook Saturday afternoon. “I’m humbled by the voice my boy has been given, but he’s still just a little boy & he’s a little boy who desperately wants acceptance, that I have to try to find a way to navigate him through the difference in true acceptance & attention.”
