Keaton Jones, a boy from Tennessee, was recorded in his car crying about being bullied by other kids at his school last week.
Keaton’s mom Kimberly says she was picking him up from school before lunch because he was scared to face his bullies. He’d reportedly been made fun of for his nose and had milk and ham thrown at him.
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully? What’s the point of it? Why do they find joy in taking innocent people and find a way to be mean to them? It’s not okay. People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault. If you are made fun of, just don’t let it bother you,” Keaton said on video.
This is Keaton Jones. He is amazing. I hope those who bullied him get what’s coming to them. And soon. pic.twitter.com/qgRObI0rto
— Jamie O’Grady (@JamieOGrady) December 9, 2017
Since Kimberly posted the video to her Facebook on Friday it’s been viewed over 22 million times and shared by countless social media users. Celebrities are having a big impact by getting the message out against bullying too. Many have reached out to Keaton personally.
Meet Keaton Jones a very smart little boy who is being bullied at school. This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters. If anyone knows how i can reach the family please let me know. Thank u everyone pic.twitter.com/BR8c4ldDFc
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 10, 2017
This boy is incredibly brave and the video really got to me. @danawhite, If he takes you up on your offer to see UFC Headquarters, I would be honored to host him and his family at our place if they need somewhere to stay. https://t.co/EWx05o0yI0
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 11, 2017
@Lakyn_Jones will you pass this to Keaton Hey #keatonjones – I’m not good at many things but I’m decent with bullies. If you ever need a side kick let me know. I’ll be there. pic.twitter.com/whLVLucMUZ
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) December 11, 2017
You are the MAN #KeatonJones. That video is powerful and correct. Bullying is not okay.
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) December 11, 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 & handsomeYour friend-mh https://t.co/SUMw3OoCTm
— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) December 10, 2017
So I got the chance to spend the day with my new best bud Keaton. It was unbelievable to get to know him and realize that we have a lot in common. This dude is very special and has changed my life forever. Now I have the little brother I always wanted! God bless you my man pic.twitter.com/vMHVtnf2rC
— Jarrett Guarantano (@BroadwayJay2) December 11, 2017
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
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) December 10, 2017
@DonteStallworth @Lakyn_Jones hopefully my video and the tweets that Keaton have been getting brings awareness to bullying and how serious it is in our school system pic.twitter.com/1Dujv3RxA5
— Delanie walker (@delaniewalker82) December 9, 2017
Hey, Keaton Jones, do you like baseball? Can you let me know? I cover an an amazingly awesome team that you must see, in an amazingly awesome stadium. @Lakyn_Jones, please let me know. Keaton, you are an awesome boy & I have your back! Stay strong, buddy! https://t.co/zamE6UUi5Y
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) December 10, 2017
Keaton Jones you are an absolute hero. Anyone know how I can get in touch with this kid? I’ll fly out n have lunch with him at school any day. https://t.co/FmTqdvh8hK
— Mia Kang (@MissMiaKang) December 10, 2017
@Lakyn_Jones For Keaton: You have friends in us here in Colorado. You’re always welcome at Coors Field and if you ever make it to Denver, please be our guest at a game. Keep your head up and always be yourself, don’t let those bullies win!
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) December 10, 2017
Keaton, I stand with you against bullying!
I really admire your courage, and don’t let them define who you are! pic.twitter.com/IXwe6wfVgE
— Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) December 10, 2017
RT I can’t imagine how busy Keaton Jones & his family are but I’d love to say hello, thank you, I’m proud of you & me & @SeanUnfiltered want to send to The Cotton Bowl. @Lakyn_Jones @The_UnSilent_ #StandWithKeaton
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) December 10, 2017
Can someone get me in touch with @Lakyn_Jones or Keaton’s Family? I would love to speak with him today! Thanks guys
— Damon Harrison (@BigDame900) December 10, 2017
Keaton I, along with my @CSUFootball and @packers brothers wanted you to know that we stand against bullying. @Lakyn_Jones #StandWithKeaton pic.twitter.com/qReeMlDp71
— Bernard Blake (@BamBam_Blake23) December 10, 2017
Hey, @Lakyn_Jones .. bring your brother Keaton by the bus before my show in Knoxville, TN next month if ya want.. would love to say hello and tell him #IStandWithKeaton
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) December 10, 2017
Hey #KeatonJones Just saw your video about the tough time you’re going through. Not sure if you’re a Walking Dead fan but if it happens that you are then please be in touch as I would love to see you and your family @WalkrStalkrCon show in Nashville next year. On me. X
— Tom Payne (@justanactor) December 10, 2017
One of my readers just posted this comment under my #KeatonJones commentary: pic.twitter.com/1YNc1F2zyX
— Rod Dreher (@roddreher) December 11, 2017
Rather than trying to spread an anti-bullying message, some people tried to smear Keaton’s mom on social media too.
That viral video of #KeatonJones talking about being bullied is heartbreaking, and I feel sympathetic towards that child.
But his mom, Kimberly on the other hand, is a suspected racist who makes very problematic posts bullying Black protesters #TheIrony pic.twitter.com/NUhidunP8z— Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) December 11, 2017
But the overwhelming support for Keaton overshadows any animosity toward the little boy. A GoFundMe page has been set up in his name and has already raised closed to $60,000.