Chris Evans, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and More Support Bullied Student Keaton Jones After Heartbreaking Video
A young man's heartbreaking video about the pain of being bullied is going viral on the internet, and earning him support from Hollywood stars.
On Friday, Keaton Jones' mother posted an emotional video on Facebook of her young son in tears after he was bullied at school.
This is Keaton Jones, he lives in Knoxville and he has a little something to say about bullying.pic.twitter.com/coyQxFp33V
— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) December 9, 2017
"They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends,” Keaton told his mom as they sat in the car.
The bullying even escalated to physical attacks, when Keaton said his bullies "put milk on me and put ham down my clothes, throw bread on me."
Perhaps the most resonant part for anyone who saw the video was his question of why it was even happening to him.
"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 OK.”
Even through his pain, young Keaton displayed deep empathy for others.
“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 OK!” he said. “People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault.”
Keaton's message sparked a wave of support from Hollywood. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown wrote, "Keaton, this is so accurate. Why do people do this? I think your sooo cool Keaton! I wanna be your friend ( but srsly) ur freakin awesome."
Keaton, this is so accurate. Why do people do this? I think your sooo cool Keaton! I wanna be your friend ( but srsly) ur freakin awesome https://t.co/LD7Q762bL9
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 9, 2017
Demi Lovato, who has famously spoken out against bullying, shared a message for the middle school. "I #StandwithKeaton. Keaton baby, just know you’re not alone," the singer wrote. "There are so many people who come out of bullying so much stronger and you will be one of them!! God bless you sweetheart."
I #StandwithKeaton. Keaton baby, just know you’re not alone. There are so many people who come out of bullying so much stronger and you will be one of them!! God bless you sweetheart. https://t.co/LdCAy2lDHu
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) December 11, 2017
Captain America himself, Chris Evans, not only offered support, but a trip to Hollywood for The Avengers: Infinity War premiere next year, saying "Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better."
Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better. While those punks at your school are deciding what kind of people they want to be in this world, how would you and your mom like to come to the Avengers premiere in LA next year? https://t.co/s1QwCQ3toi
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) December 10, 2017
Evans' Avengers co-star Mark Ruffalo also offered Keaton an invite to the premiere, echoing his words of encouragement.
"I think you are about one of the coolest kids I have ever seen!," he wrote in a tweet. "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."
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
Pitch Perfect 3 star Hailee Steinfeld posted a video message as well, offering him the chance to accompany her to the premiere of the movie this week.
"I just wanted to say I think you are amazing and what makes you so special is there is only one you. And I would love for you, Keaton Jones, to be my date to the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere on Tuesday," she said in the tweet.
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) December 10, 2017
Ricky Martin reposted UFC head Dana White's message, offering to bring Keaton to Las Vegas and the UFC headquarters to hang out.
A post shared by Ricky (@ricky_martin) on Dec 10, 2017 at 9:02am PST
UFC star Paige VanZant echoed the sentiment of support and also offered "bodyguard services" for Keaton.
I would love to come meet this guy and provide bodyguard services!!!Connect me as well!!!! Bullies suck!! I won’t stand for it! https://t.co/8IAdTC7Smm
— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) December 10, 2017
Rapper Cardi B shared Keaton's video as well on Instagram, saying, "Like how you pick on somebody who can’t defend them self? THAT'S NOT GANGSTA ! If you a parent or somebody big sis or big bro show your kids this video and show them why they should not bully others!!"
A post shared by Cardi B Official IG (@iamcardib) on Dec 9, 2017 at 11:28pm PST
Dozens of stars have reached out on social media, sharing their encouragement and tales of bullying, all in support of an inspiring young man with a kind heart. Check them out below.
This broke my today. Please be kind to one another. #standwithkeaton
A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on Dec 10, 2017 at 2:56pm PST
You got a friend in me Lil bro! Hit me on dm and we can chat!!! Love you buddy!!
A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Dec 10, 2017 at 7:47pm PST
A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on Dec 10, 2017 at 7:50am PST
It DOES get so much better, Keaton! As a kid I was bullied for being a butterball. It hurt like hell. But you seem to understand that it’s THEM not you. Bullies are always deficient assholes; you are a clearly a soulful person. And that has earned you a friend (& fan) over here! https://t.co/tKXcA1DtjI
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) December 10, 2017
Keaton- hang in there. Keep studying and never lose sight of your dreams. I was bullied and called fat. It gets better. Your bullies have been hurt somehow and that is why they need to hurt. They will fade away. Adventure is out there. #Keatonjoneshttps://t.co/r5pENrI9f3
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) December 10, 2017
Keaton, I'm sorry those kids are being so mean. Unless people like that change they will end up having unhappy lives. I think you're cool!
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) December 9, 2017
For more on how other stars have faced and overcome bullying, watch the video below.
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