Over the weekend, Tennessee mother Kimberly Jones shared a video on Facebook of her son, Keaton Jones, that struck a chord with millions of people across America. In the video, the little boy cries about being bullied by other kids, who make fun of his nose, call him ugly, and tell him he has no friends. The bullying got so bad that his mother had to pick him up from school after a bunch of kids poured milk on him and put ham up his clothes at lunch.
"Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?" Keaton asks tearfully. "What's the point of it? Why do they find joy in taking innocent people and find a way to be mean to them? It's not OK."
Indeed it's not. And because bullying is such a serious and common problem in this country, Keaton's heartbreaking and heartfelt plea went wildly viral, amassing more than 22 million views by Monday.
One of the first celebs that it reached was Chris Evans, who not only tweeted out a message of support, but also personally invited both him and his mother to the LA premiere of Avengers: Infinity War in May 2018, proving that he is Captain America IRL.
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
After that tweet also went viral, other celebrities took note and stepped in. Snoop Dog posted the video on his Instagram with the caption, "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."
Teen star Millie Bobbie Brown tweeted, "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 ❤️."
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
Comedian/actor Kumail Nanjian responded with his own story of being bullied, not just by other peers, but by teachers too.
I was bullied. To everyone who is going through this now: I know it's hard and it seems like it will never get better, like it will never end. But it will. I promise you. Be strong. https://t.co/bnVRNBtblW
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) December 11, 2017
Watching this video made me think of something I hadn't thought of in a long time: teachers can be bullies too. I don't mean that they were just strict or tough. A couple of them were actual bullies.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) December 11, 2017
Katy Perry was one of the many celebs who were left in emotional tatters after watching the video.Demi Lovato joined in to say she will also #StandWithKeaton.This broke my 💔 today. Please be kind to one another. #standwithkeaton https://t.co/8XBbFmnuc1
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) December 10, 2017Wonderwoman Gal Gadot reminded the boy that "Different is special. You're beautiful Keaton. Inside and out."I #StandwithKeaton. Keaton baby, just know you're not alone. There are so many people who come out of bullying so much stronger and you will be one of them!! God bless you sweetheart. https://t.co/LdCAy2lDHu
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) December 11, 2017Mark Hamill, who's got a pretty great track record of helping kids in need, tweeted, "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."Different is special. You're beautiful Keaton. Inside and out. #IStandWithKeaton https://t.co/I7jTVF3izn
— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) December 11, 2017Justin Bieber reposted the video on Instagram with the caption, "You got a friend in me Lil bro! Hit me on dm and we can chat!!! Love you buddy!!" He then posted a passionate black and white video, commending Keaton for keeping his sympathy and compassion for others in spite of what he's going through. "It's a testament to who he is. This kid is all-time. He's a legend."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, 2017It even got to Donald Trump Jr., who offered to host Keaton and his mom if they take him up on Dana White's offer to visit the UFC headquarters in Las Vegas.Justin Bieber on Instagram talking about Keaton, the young boy who went viral recently after sharing story of being bullied in school. pic.twitter.com/I2s93KRjdI
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 11, 2017And, finally, Mark Ruffalo, aka the actual Hulk, one-upped Chris Evans a bit by actually inviting him to be his plus one at the premier. "Keaton, will you've my guest at the Premiere of #InfinityWar too?" he wrote. "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."This boy is incredibly brave and the video really got to me. @danawhite, If he takes you up on your offer to see UFC Headquarters, I would be honored to host him and his family at our place if they need somewhere to stay. https://t.co/EWx05o0yI0
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 11, 2017There's a lot of baddies in this world, but it's good to have this reminder that there are IRL superheroes out there, making sure the good outweigh the bad. To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter!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
