Don Cheadle Joins Criticisms of Keaton Jones’ Mother After Racism Accusations
There are diverse opinions among the “Avengers” stars about bullied-boy-turned-viral-video-star Keaton Jones: Though Chris Evans has invited the boy to the premiere of the next “Avengers” film, Don Cheadle has questions about his mother, Kimberly Jones.
Cheadle is alarmed by accusations — not yet proven — that the mother posted images on Facebook of Confederate flags and wrote a screed that seemed to target African-Americans. It’s unclear whether she actually posted them because she has cleared her Facebook page and not responded to requests for comment.
Cheadle and many others have also questioned Kimberly Jones’ decision to post video of Keaton pleading for an end to bullying. The video has been viewed more than 20 million times.
“Exploiting her son and feeding him garbage and getting his ass beat in the bargain,” Cheadle wrote on Twitter. “Should be criminal.”
Also Read: Keaton Jones GoFundMe Drive Halted Over Concerns About Bullied Boy's Mom (Exclusive)
exploiting her son and feeding him garbage and getting his ass beat in the bargain. should be criminal. https://t.co/0SsT41oD4K
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) December 11, 2017
Chris Evans, who plays Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was among many celebrities who reached out to Keaton Jones after the video went viral, inviting him to the premiere of “Avengers: Infinity War” next year.
Cheadle said the racism accusations against Kimberly Jones called Keaton Jones’ story into question, saying it was “suspect now.” And he highlighted the cases of African-American children who have suffered bullying.
I don’t know if he did or didn’t. his story is suspect now. i also don’t know what he said or didn’t say. but if that’s his mom’s acct it don’t look good. this is at best conjecture it seems. https://t.co/F1dh70jQAb
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) December 11, 2017
Also Read: Keaton Jones' Mom Accused of Racist Facebook Posts, Deletes Profile
In response, another “Avengers” star, Mark Ruffalo, invited a bullied African-American boy to attend the premiere of “Avengers: Infinity War” with him and Cheadle. He later apologized to Cheadle for not conferring with him first.
This is still in committee with @DonCheadle. I dragged him on without conferring with him. Sorry. My bad. My invite with this young man stands. https://t.co/zzbQOUhzag
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 12, 2017
A New Jersey man who started a GoFundMe account to raise money for Keaton Jones, Joseph Lam, told TheWrap on Monday he was suspending the fundraising until he can sort out the situation.
The fund has collected nearly three times the $20,000 he set out to raise.
Related stories from TheWrap:
Keaton Jones GoFundMe Drive Halted Over Concerns About Bullied Boy's Mom (Exclusive)
Keaton Jones' Mom Accused of Racist Facebook Posts, Deletes Profile
Chris Evans, Sean Hannity Reach Out to Bullied Kid Keaton Jones
