‘Stay strong Keaton’: actors Chris Evans and Mark Hamill among celebrities rallying to support tearful schoolboy tormented by bullies

A mother’s video of her son tearfully asking why school bullies had singled him out for torment prompted a worldwide flood of support, including from celebrities such as Hollywood actor Chris Evans, singer Demi Lovato and rapper Snoop Dogg.

Kimberley Jones posted the emotive clip of her son Keaton on Friday after picking him up from his school, in Knoxville, Tennessee, because he was too afraid to go to lunch.

In the footage, which has been viewed more than 22 million times on Facebook, Keaton asks: “Just out of curiosity, why do they bully? What is the point of it? Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them? It is not okay.”

The middle school student, which US pupils attend between the ages of 10 and 14, goes on to say his tormentors made fun of his nose, called him ugly and told him he had no friends.

After an emotional exchange with his mother, Keaton adds: “People that are different don't need to be criticised about it. It is not their fault. If you are made fun of, just don't let it bother you”.

In the post Ms Jones said Keaton had asked her to film the video after she picked him up and she asked the parents of the children responsible to “talk to your kids”.

The mother finished her post saying: “We all know how it feels to want to belong, but only a select few know how it really feels not to belong anywhere.”

The video started to be shared widely on social media over the weekend and by this morning Keaton was inundated with messages of support and advice.

Among those touched by his video was Avengers star, Chris Evans, who urged Keaton to “stay strong” and offered the schoolboy the chance to come to the premier of his film next year.

“Don’t let them make you turn cold” said the actor. “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?”

The rapper Snoop Dogg shared Keaton’s video to his 20 million Instagram followers telling the schoolboy he had a ‘friend for life’.

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill urged Keaton not to waste time wondering why bullies were attacking him adding: “They're just jealous because you're so smart [and] handsome.”

The popstar Demi Lovato offered her support saying: “There are so many people who come out of bullying so much stronger and you will be one of them”.

Keaton’s story also touched his local NFL side, the Tennessee Titians, as players sent messages of support and offered him the chance to meet them at a home game.

As well as the deluge of messages of support, a GoFundMe page was set up for Keaton which aimed to raise $20,000 (£15,000) for his family. At the time of publishing the page has raised over $46,000 (£34,000)​.