Refresh for updates Seems half of Hollywood is reaching out to Keaton Jones – meaning the other half just hasn’t yet seen the bullied Tennessee boy’s heartbreaking Facebook video.
“You got a pal in the Hulk,” tweeted Mark Ruffalo, while Chris Evans has just invited Keaton to next year’s Los Angeles premiere of Avengers: Infinity War.
If you haven’t been near a computer screen today, Keaton is the middle schooler whose tearful question – “Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” – just might become a rallying cry of the anti-bullying movement.
On Friday, the boy’s mother, Kimberly Jones, posted the video on her Facebook page, shortly after picking up Keaton from school because her son was too afraid and upset to go to lunch. The Knoxville, Tennessee, boy describes having milk poured on him and being called ugly for the head scars left from a tumor operation.
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?,” Keaton asks. “What’s the point of it? Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to ’em? It’s not okay. It’s not okay! People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault.” The boy also says, “They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends.”
In a message accompanying the video, Kimberly Jones wrote, “My kids are by no stretch perfect, and 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 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.”
Within 24 hours the post had been viewed more than 10 million times and is closing in on 20 million, a roster of viewers that includes Hollywood actors and stars of hip hop, country music, athletes and Beltway pundits.
“Stay strong, Keaton,” tweeted Chris Evans. “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?
“Little buddy,” wrote Ruffalo, “I was bullied when I was a kid. You are right #ItGetsBetter! You are my own personal super hero. Protect Yo Heart. You got a pal in the Hulk.”
Tweeted Mark Hamill, “They’re just jealous because you’re so smart & handsome.”
“Add me to your long list of friends Keaton,” tweeted Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“Hey Keaton…I just wanted to say I think you are amazing…I would love for you to be my date to the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere on Tuesday,” Hailee Steinfeld said in a video posted on Twitter.
Others reaching out include Patrick Adams (Suits), Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Kevin Jonas, Cardi B and, well, take a look for a sample of a roster that’s growing by the minute:
#KeatonJones, your curiosity and kindness will overcome this moment and bring you many better days to come. #StandWithKeaton https://t.co/8t4ojKLs72 — Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 10, 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
Little buddy, I was bullied when I was a kid. You are right #ItGetsBetter! You are my own personal super hero. Protect Yo Heart. You got a pal in the Hulk. https://t.co/fRTAENcmV4 — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 10, 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 & handsome❤️Your friend-mh https://t.co/SUMw3OoCTm — @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) December 10, 2017
We hear you #KeatonJones. I was bullied constantly growing up. And could never have put into words what you have. It does get better. And it gets better because of who are and what you know and how you share it with all of us. Thank you for your courage. https://t.co/P4cCQtkAnB — Patrick J Adams (@halfadams) December 9, 2017
@Lakyn_Jones 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 ❤️ — Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 9, 2017
Hey #KeatonJones, YOU are my HERO! Keaton, BULLIES are COWARDS! YOU‘RE AMAZING. Thank you for this "Why do they bully?" MESSAGE https://t.co/8QW4XEkeUb PLS WATCH & RT with #standwithkeaton — Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) December 10, 2017
.@lakyn_jones Hey Keaton, bullies are the ones with the problems NOT you. Many are bullied at home and pass it on. Cowards always need an audience. Be strong! I’ll come walk the hall and eat lunch with you anytime. #IstandwithKeaton #Keatonstrong #KeatonJones — Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) December 10, 2017
. I need Keaton Jones to appear on Chrisley Knows best , this Kid can change the world and I wanna help him do it .. #keatonbecomesachrisley let’s make this happen .. everyone use the hashtag . — Todd Chrisley (@toddchrisley) December 10, 2017
Dear Keaton Jones, hopefully you see this. Your an amazing soul my man, never let ANYONE tell you otherwise! Keep your head up & chest out. Your a solider, always remember that. — DeAndre Washington (@dwa5hington) 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
Hey @Lakyn_Jones – #KeatonJones’s mom. My name is NickStevenson. I’m an actor. I’m inviting U2come see me n my fellow actors @zachtheatre in #TheCuriousIncident…end of Jan-March in Austin. I will organize u and #superKeaton, airfare n accommodation. #Nomorebullying #plzsayyes! — TheRealNickStevenson (@nickstevenson11) December 10, 2017
This is heartbreaking. But the response of support for him is a beautiful thing. Add me to your long list of friends Keaton. https://t.co/NKasvdo00u — Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 10, 2017
Tuesday, Feb.6, 7pm, the Vols come to Lexington. I’d love for you to be my guest at @Rupp_Arena if you and the family have any interest in making the trip. Stay strong buddy! Thank you, Keaton, for being an inspiration of the strength for us all. — Tod Lanter (@tod_lanterIII) December 10, 2017
Keaton- hang in there. Keep studying and never lose sight of your dreams. I was bullied and called fat. It gets better. Your bullies have been hurt somehow and that is why they need to hurt. They will fade away. Adventure is out there. #Keatonjones https://t.co/r5pENrI9f3 — Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) December 10, 2017
You are amazing #KeatonJones. It will get better .You are not alone . And yes, IT IS NOT RIGHT. Hang in there . 💖🙌 https://t.co/BOTsPKnypo — Donna Murphy (@DMurphyOfficial) December 10, 2017
Stay strong #KeatonJones.. you are an amazingly brave soul – thank you for sharing. It will get better. Those that bully are insecure and karma always comes around. https://t.co/zekqOhxZKx — Lenny Jacobson (@Lennyjacobson) December 9, 2017
Hey #KeatonJones..you have so many friends & supporters out here..& we have your back, dear one! You are fearfully & wonderfully made..& His works are WONDERFUL, we know that for sure. And You. Are. Too! Keep standing up…there’s God & all your new friends standing behind you😉. https://t.co/VWi88OE1Y3 — Heather Headley (@heatherheadley) December 10, 2017
Keaton jones you are a hero. This extremely raw and real moment has brought hope and truth to so many people. Be you and be forever fearless. Never give up. You are loved! — kevin jonas (@kevinjonas) December 10, 2017
Hey @Lakyn_Jones, I'm producing a film next summer in TN. Would love to have you and Keaton come spend a day on set with me! #StandWithKeaton https://t.co/7fQzeNFHYX — chase crawford (@chsecrwfrd) December 10, 2017
I’m so Sad and angry like I’m OD hot 😡😪Please teach your kids not to be bullies .Teach them how to be tough 👊🏽but not too pick on others — iamcardib (@iamcardib) December 10, 2017
Keaton, I'm sorry those kids are being so mean. Unless people like that change they will end up having unhappy lives. I think you're cool! — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) December 9, 2017
Oh sweet boy. We see you. You are not alone. https://t.co/splq8LEMFR — Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) December 10, 2017
I love him—— To Keaton Jones …you are a totally amazing person with a great future ahead of you! Don’t let ANY unhappy person bring you down!! I support u- let’s END BULLYING!!!! Sending ❤️to you !!! — Carnie Wilson (@CarnieWilson) December 10, 2017
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? ❤ pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW — Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) December 10, 2017
Say lil Man U gotta friend in me for life hit me on dm so we can chop it up love is the only way to beat hate 👊🏾☝🏾 A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on Dec 10, 2017 at 7:50am PST
Krogg on December 11st, 2017 at 05:36 UTC »
As a father of a 9 year old who is starting to go through this, and having been in those shoes so many years ago, how do you help your child?
I am so scared that my son is going to be bullied to the point where he won't want to take it anymore. I never thought of suicide as an option when I was bullied when I was young, but so many stories now about kids the same age as my son killing themselves. Just about everything this young man said, I hear from my son as well. "They say no one likes me and no one wants to be my friend." or "You're just stupid and no one likes you."
He came home the other day in tears because the kids on the bus told him that his mom doesn't love him and that is why he lives with his dad. His biggest concern with school and at home is friends. "Why can't I make friends?" or "Why don't the other kids like to play with me?" he will sometimes ask me. All I can do is hug and love him, but deep down inside, I never knew how to get over this myself. How do I explain to him that this is just a phase and he will get through it? He will be better on the other side, and as long as he continues to concentrate on his school work and himself, he will be a successful person who won't care what others think of him?
How do I tell him that it will be alright? I try to support him in activities that he likes, football, basketball, karate, video games, dinosaurs, etc. If he shows an interest, we explore it together. However, it's just dad and I know he will get to a point where he will want to do things with others. How do you explain to him that he will look back and realize their bullying didn't have an effect on him? That life goes on and he will too?
edit Well, that's it for me tonight. I'm going to try to respond to all the responses tomorrow, but there are some great ideas and advice. I want to thanks everyone who responded. It sounds like I am doing a good job, but I am going to try to arrange some more activities for the two of us, him and his current friends, pizza party or two for "could be friends" from school/sports, continue to talk with him, and just be a good role model for him.
I had a great idea of arranging for some letters to him from people who have been through this in their past so he understands he is not alone. If you are interested in sending a letter/postcard/email, PM me and we can talk about it.
I really appreciate everyone who took the time to respond, and for the gold. I definitely wasn't looking for that, but I will be donating to /r/randomactsofpizza now, thanks to the stranger who gave me gold.
I wish you all the best of luck, and hopefully someone with the same questions I had, will find some answers and be able to support their little ones. Let's kick this bullying thing in the ass once and for all.
TRON-ALIVE on December 11st, 2017 at 04:55 UTC »
I hope this makes him feel less alone in the world and that people can be kind and good, contrary to what he encounters everyday. Kudos to all the people who have reached out and supported him in a show of solidarity.
Oh, and fuck bullies.
seeker135 on December 11st, 2017 at 03:35 UTC »
Keaton Jones found out he has an army of friends who have his back. He'll be busy for the next year or so finding out that being bullied and merely asking why in response earns beaucoup respect and support.
Good on ya', kid.