Chris Evans, Hailee Steinfeld, Cardi B 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.
"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."
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.
Posted by Kimberly Jones on Friday, December 8, 2017
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 ❤️"
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."
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."
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."
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.
Ricky Martin reposted UFC head Dana White's message, offering to bring Keaton to Las Vegas and the UFC headquarters to hang out.
UFC star Paige VanZant echoed the sentiment of support and also offered "bodyguard services" for Keaton.
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!!"
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.
For more on how other stars have faced and overcome bullying, watch the video below.
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