Keaton Jones, a boy from Knoxville, Tennessee, who is a victim of bullying at his school, has been trending online all weekend after releasing a video on Facebook outlining his hurt feelings at being targeted and picked on by classmates.
His mother Kimberly posted the video shortly after picking up Keaton from school because he was too afraid and upset to go to lunch. Keaton describes how milk was poured on him and he was called ugly for the scars left on his head following a tumor operation.
The video is captioned: “For the record, Keaton asked to do this AFTER he had he me pick him up AGAIN because he was afraid to go to lunch. My kids are by no stretch perfect, & at home, he's as all boy as they come, but by all accounts he's good at school. Talk to your kids. I've even had friends of mine tell me they're kids were only nice to him to get him to mess with people. We all know how it feels to want to belong, but only a select few know how it really feels not to belong anywhere.”
It has been viewed (at the time of writing) over 22 million times and has inspired an outpouring of support and inspirational messages for Keaton. A huge host of celebrities including actors, musicians and sports figures have reached out; and Chris Evans even invited Keaton Jones to the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War in LA. Hailee Steinfeld meanwhile invited Keaton to be her date to the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere.
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
Little buddy, I was bullied when I was a kid. You are right #ItGetsBetter! You are my own personal super hero. Protect Yo Heart. You got a pal in the Hulk. https://t.co/fRTAENcmV4
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 10, 2017
Keaton-Don't waste time wondering why a bully would be so mean-They're sad people who think hurting others will make them feel better because they really don't like themselves-They're just jealous because you're so smart & handsomeâÂ?¤ï¸Â?Your friend-mh https://t.co/SUMw3OoCTm
— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) December 10, 2017
@Lakyn_Jones 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 âÂ?¤ï¸Â?
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 9, 2017
#KeatonJones, your curiosity and kindness will overcome this moment and bring you many better days to come. #StandWithKeaton https://t.co/8t4ojKLs72
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 10, 2017
.@lakyn_jones Hey Keaton, bullies are the ones with the problems NOT you. Many are bullied at home and pass it on. Cowards always need an audience. Be strong! I’ll come walk the hall and eat lunch with you anytime. #IstandwithKeaton #Keatonstrong #KeatonJones
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) December 10, 2017
Keaton jones you are a hero. This extremely raw and real moment has brought hope and truth to so many people. Be you and be forever fearless. Never give up. You are loved!
— kevin jonas (@kevinjonas) December 10, 2017
Oh sweet boy. We see you. You are not alone. https://t.co/splq8LEMFR
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) December 10, 2017
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? âÂ?¤ pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) December 10, 2017
We hear you #KeatonJones. I was bullied constantly growing up. And could never have put into words what you have. It does get better. And it gets better because of who are and what you know and how you share it with all of us. Thank you for your courage. https://t.co/P4cCQtkAnB
— Patrick J Adams (@halfadams) December 9, 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
I love this boy and I’ve never met him. You are brave and beautiful just as you are, don’t ever let others define who you are. Bullies are insecure and ignorant. Words create emotional poison, don’t listen to them so that poison doesn’t ever get to your pure heart âÂ?¤ï¸Â? pic.twitter.com/SjntR2Pksk
— Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) December 10, 2017