Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.Already have an account? Login
On Dec. 8, Kimberly Jones, a mom from Knoxville, TN, posted a video of her son Keaton breaking down as he explains how he's being bullied at school. In the heart-wrenching clip — which is just over one minute long — the young boy asks, "Just out of curiosity, why do they bully? What's the point of it? Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them. It's not okay."
In her post on Facebook, Jones revealed the video was filmed after Keaton asked her to "pick him up AGAIN because he was afraid to go to lunch." When she asks, "What did they say to you?," Keaton responds, "They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends."
When she questions what they do to him at lunch, he replies, "Poured milk on me and put ham down my clothes. Threw bread at me." He concludes the video by saying, "I don't like that they do it to me and I for sure don't like that they do it to other people because it's not okay. People that are different don't need to be criticized about it. It's not their fault. If you are made fun of, just don't let it bother you. Stay strong I guess. It's hard. But it'll probably get better one day."
His message has since gone viral with more than 17 million views, inspiring a ton of celebrities such as Cardi B to reach out with a message of their own. Read some of their tweets below:
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
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
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. #Keatonjoneshttps://t.co/r5pENrI9f3
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
As well wishes continued to pour in, Jones shared her gratitude on Facebook. "Friends, overwhelmed is the understatement of the world right now. I love each of you for what you are doing, but there is literally no way I can respond or even read all of the messages," she wrote. "I'm humbled by the voice my boy has been given, but he's still just a little boy, & he's a little boy who desperately wants acceptance, that I have to try to find a way to navigate him through the difference in true acceptance & attention. I know God has His hand in this, & I trust that the right things will happen in the right time." We're with you, Keaton!
