A young boy’s heartbreaking testimony of bullying at school received international acclaim for his anti-bullying message.
Kimberly Jones posted a video of her son, Keaton, after school on Facebook on Friday. She said she had just picked up Keaton from his Tennessee middle school because he was terrified to go to lunch because of bullying.
In the video, Keaton is screaming in the passenger seat and remembers having milk dumped on him and ham put down his clothes, as well as being labeled ugly due to the scars left by tumor surgery on his head.
«They make fun of my nose. They characterize me as unattractive. «They claim I have no friends,» Keaton admits to his mother.
After relaying his story, he asks his mother, “Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” So, what exactly is the point? Why do you take innocent people and find a way to treat them cruelly? This is not acceptable. People who are different should not be condemned for their differences. «It’s not their fault.
His words struck a connection with viewers, and the video “exploded” over the weekend, attracting millions of views and attention from Tennessee football teams as well as big-name celebrities like Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, and Mark Hamill.
Chris Evans wrote, “Stay strong, Keaton.” «Don’t let them turn you cold,» I guarantee things will improve. While those jerks at your school figure out what type of people they want to be in the world, how about you and your mother going to the Avengers premiere in Los Angeles next year?
«Little buddy, I was bullied as a kid,» Ruffalo wrote. #ItGetsBetter, you’re right! You are my personal hero. Protect your heart. «You have a friend in the Hulk.»
«You have a pal in me, Lil bro!» Send me a direct message and we can discuss it!!! «I adore you, pal!!» Justin Bieber sent out a tweet.
Demi Lovato tweeted, “I #StandWithKeaton.” Just remember that you are not alone, Keaton. Many people emerge stronger as a result of bullying, and you will be one of them!! God bless you, sweetheart.»
«Keaton-» tweeted Mark Hamill.
Don’t waste time wondering why a bully is so cruel-they’re sad people who believe that hurting others will make them feel better because they don’t like themselves-they’re just jealous because you’re so smart and handsome.»
Keaton is surprised and delighted by all the attention. «Keaton is overjoyed to hear from everyone,» a family friend told People magazine. «It means a great deal to him.»
Kimberley clarified the circumstances surrounding the video with complete focus. «For the record,» she said, «Keaton asked to do this AFTER he had me pick him up AGAIN because he was afraid to go to lunch.» «My kids are far from perfect, and he’s as all boy as they come at home, but by all accounts, he’s good at school.»
According to subsequent reports, Keaton’s school principal spoke with the Knoxville News Sentinal. «It’s not as prevalent as the video suggests,» Principal Greg Clay told the Knoxville News Sentinel. «I can’t say what happened, but I can say that action was taken with the children.»
Nonetheless, Keaton’s message has provided an opportunity to talk about bullying and spread an anti-bullying message. Kimberly encourages parents to talk to their children about it.
«Talk to your kids,» she advised. «I’ve even had friends tell me that their children were only nice to him to get him to mess with people.» We all know what it’s like to want to belong, but only a few know what it’s like to not belong anywhere.»
Watch Keaton’s video below and spread the word.