Keaton Jones sat in the passenger seat of his mom’s car, asking “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.” Jones had asked him mom to pick up his because he was afraid to go to lunch, because kids were making fun of him, calling him ugly, pouring milk on him, shoving ham down his clothes, and throwing break at him. Jones asked his mom to record him, so that he can get his tearful message out to others who are getting bullied too: “But if you are made fun of, just don’t let it bother you. Just stay strong, I guess. It’s hard. But … it’ll probably get better one day.”
This is Keaton Jones, he lives in Knoxville and he has a little something to say about bullying.pic.twitter.com/coyQxFp33V
— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) December 9, 2017
Kimberly Jones, Keaton’s mother, uploaded the video to Facebook. It eventually ended up on Twitter, and celebrities, athletes, and people everywhere have started to send Keaton, who lives in Tennessee, words of encouragement. University of Tennessee football players visited Keaton at school, and Mark Ruffalo and Chris Evans invited him and his family to be their guests at the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War. Even Tennessee’s politicians sent their support.
@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
So I got the chance to spend the day with my new best bud Keaton. It was unbelievable to get to know him and realize that we have a lot in common. This dude is very special and has changed my life forever. Now I have the little brother I always wanted! God bless you my man pic.twitter.com/vMHVtnf2rC
— Jarrett Guarantano✞ (@BroadwayJay2) December 11, 2017
@Lakyn_Jones Hello, Keaton (via your sister)! You may have heard of my parents, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (#MLK) and #CorettaScottKing. I try to honor them and their legacies. I’m so sorry about the pain you’re experiencing because of bullying. You matter. I love you.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) December 9, 2017
Keaton, will you’ve my guest at the Premiere of #InfinityWar too? I think you are about one of the coolest kids I have ever seen! Can’t wait to meet you in person, pal. Forget those ignorant kids. One day, very soon, they are going to feel pretty stupid for this. https://t.co/BqJLxu25GN
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 11, 2017
Keaton, I know Tennesseans and people across our country join me in saying thank you for your courage. Bullying isn’t acceptable, especially in our schools. We’re all with you! #StandWithKeaton
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) December 11, 2017
Thank you #KeatonJones for sharing your story and bringing awareness to the serious problem of bullying in our schools. There is no place for that, and as Tennesseans, we must work together to prevent bullying and harassment of all our students.
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) December 10, 2017
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 ❤️ https://t.co/LD7Q762bL9
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 9, 2017
Thanks for reading InsideHook. Sign up for our daily newsletter and be in the know.
