Keaton Jones is a name you’ve probably never heard unless you’ve been on social media in the last 48 hours. If so, you’ve probably seen your timeline filled with the viral video of the Tennessee boy.
On Friday, Keaton’s mom shared a video on Facebook of her son describing the bullying he endures at school which has now racked up over 19 million views. He was too scared to go to lunch because other kids call him ugly and pour milk on him that he had his mother pick him up early. “They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends,” Keaton says in the heartbreaking video. He also posed a very important question, one that we’ll probably never understand. “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 okay.”
Since the video went viral, an outpouring of support has been shown towards Keaton and his family. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of comments on the Facebook video, celebrities have also shown their support. In fact, Keaton now has some pretty cool people who have his back including some of the Avengers, UFC fighters and football players. Captain America himself, Chris Evans invited Keaton to the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War but Keaton may be making his red carpet debut before that. Hailee Steinfeld invited the young boy to be her date for the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere in Hollywood this Tuesday. Other celebs sending messages include Justin Bieber, Zedd, Jordan Fisher, Millie Bobby Brown, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Platt, Will Poulter & more.
It is wonderful to see thousands of strangers coming together to show support for such a strong young man. The support is so strong his mother has set up a PO Box and his sister Lakyn said it best: “Seeing my brother’s face all over the internet and people giving him support is the most amazing feeling in the world.” Lets hope his bullies take notice and learn something from this. Stay strong Keaton. We support you!
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
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? ❤ pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) 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
@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
I would love to come meet this guy and provide bodyguard services!!!Connect me as well!!!! Bullies suck!! I won’t stand for it! https://t.co/8IAdTC7Smm
— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) December 10, 2017
I’m your friend, Keaton Jones. You’re a more intelligent and more compassionate human being than any of the people bullying you. I’m inspired by you and things will get better because you are speaking out. Love and strength to you, dude!
❤️? https://t.co/AivEEX2iM6— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) December 10, 2017
Meet Keaton Jones a very smart little boy who is being bullied at school. This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters. If anyone knows how i can reach the family please let me know. Thank u everyone pic.twitter.com/BR8c4ldDFc
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 10, 2017
Hey Keaton Jones, I’d like to invite you to be my guest at any show of mine of your choice. I’ll cover ur flights and accommodation.
Big up for speaking up, buddy!!! ?— Zedd (@Zedd) December 11, 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
Hey, #KeatonJones – you have friends here at the UFC, buddy. Today and everyday. #StandWithKeaton @Lakyn_Jones | @DC_MMA @TWooodley @FelderPaul @SugaRashadEvans @KennyFlorian pic.twitter.com/ZxX0cY1bu7
— UFC (@ufc) December 10, 2017
@DonteStallworth @Lakyn_Jones hopefully my video and the tweets that Keaton have been getting brings awareness to bullying and how serious it is in our school system pic.twitter.com/1Dujv3RxA5
— Delanie walker (@delaniewalker82) December 9, 2017
Keaton I, along with my @CSUFootball and @packers brothers wanted you to know that we stand against bullying. @Lakyn_Jones #StandWithKeaton pic.twitter.com/qReeMlDp71
— Bernard Blake (@BamBam_Blake23) December 10, 2017
Keaton Jones. You sweet soul. You sweet, beautiful soul. You are perfect just as you are. Inspiring and brave. Courageous.❤️ Loved beyond measure. https://t.co/M7XHyxyKQL
— Jaimie Alexander (@JaimieAlexander) 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
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
This sweet boy broke my heart. Keaton, we're on your team bud!!!! @JDMorgan and I are sending you and your family love. And yes, it ABSOLUTELY gets better! Xxx https://t.co/oJWI4qJ4Ym
— Hilarie Burton (@HilarieBurton) December 10, 2017
This is my message for Keaton. Love you buddy pic.twitter.com/pdYK5E7JRk
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) December 10, 2017
Keaton you are awesome for sharing like this – you set an example for us all. Just want you to know you are welcome to any @GoodCharlotte show anytime you want, we would love to meet you dude! https://t.co/msQuVfN0DL
— Joel Madden (@JoelMadden) December 10, 2017
If there’s anything I can promise you, Keaton…is that it WILL get better. Eventually, people will become as mature as you are. They might even become as kind and loving as you are. If we’re lucky, they’ll become as nurturing as you are. As for now, YOU are the one we look up to https://t.co/1aQDNBnNkP
— Jordan Fisher (@Jordan_Fisher) December 11, 2017
Keaton- your vulnerability, honesty and emotional intelligence already show how much more powerful, valuable, unique and human you are than any of the bullies you talked about. I have no doubt it will get better and we will all do our part to make sure it does. We love you. https://t.co/JN9hCU49pY
— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) December 10, 2017
Keaton, I am SO proud of you for speaking out against bullying. Bullying is NEVER ok! I can’t imagine how hard it’s been and I’m sorry for all you’ve been through, yet even still, your hearts aches for others that are also in your shoes #NotAllHeroesWearCapes
— Chyler Leigh (@chy_leigh) December 10, 2017
Stand up for Keaton https://t.co/pyTB9fGypY #WeLoveKeaton ? #StopBullyingNow
— Rebecca Mader (@bexmader) December 11, 2017
Dear Keaton, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your bravery. You are my hero. Thank you for showing such beautiful strength…..despite your immense pain, you give hope. Keaton, You are not alone. You are loved❤️You are adored. I am here. We are here. The world is here. https://t.co/UFuIGSIBDI
— Sofia Carson (@SofiaCarson) December 11, 2017
Hey, @Lakyn_Jones .. bring your brother Keaton by the bus before my show in Knoxville, TN next month if ya want.. would love to say hello and tell him #IStandWithKeaton
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) December 10, 2017
I would like to find out the school he goes to so I can call and make sure stuff like this ends immediately. Nobody child deserves this. Ever. And I will not stop until there's a smile on Keaton's face.
Could you DM me Jamie? Thank you???? https://t.co/29uVcmN7jI
— Matthew Espinosa (@TheMattEspinosa) December 10, 2017
Keaton is the coolest kid in the world. Our hero! Big thanks to @BroadwayJay2. #StandWithKeaton pic.twitter.com/Lam9HGfoNk
— Jayson Swain (@SwainEvent) December 11, 2017
Keaton , you are an awesomely impressive , intelligent young man !!
Although we’ve never met , it would be An honor and privilege to be your friend.
Stay strong , WE are with you !!! https://t.co/WsfzfdcMxJ— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) December 11, 2017
Keaton im so sorry to see you in this pain. You are an amazing kid and I hope that those responsible make school the wonderful place it should be for you. Stay true to you- I know that you’re going to do amazing things! @MattBomer
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) December 10, 2017
Keaton, you are not alone. Your strength is going to get you so far in this thing called life. Keep teaching. You are an inspiration and we stand with you. It is NOT fair. Just be true to who you are: brave, fair, honest. Those are the things that make up a hero like you. https://t.co/6YZEcbS9mr
— Jenna Ushkowitz (@JennaUshkowitz) December 10, 2017