If you haven’t noticed the entire internet sobbing in unison today, then uh – maybe you don’t spend enough time on the internet. It’s probably a good thing. Lay in that lush grass, catch some rays, do some life admin.
But the internet has been dealing with the emotional equivalent of being hit by a bus. A young boy’s emotional message about bullying as gone viral, and now everyone from Chris Evans to Millie Bobby Brown are standing up in support of him.
“Why do they bully?” asks Keaton Jones, a young student from Tennessee. “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.”
Holding back tears, he continued: “They make fun of my nose, they call me ugly, they say I have no friends,” describing how his bullies poured milk and food down his clothes.
“People that are different don’t need to be criticised about it because it’s not their fault. But if you are made fun of, don’t let it bother you. Just stay strong, it’s hard, but it’ll probably get better one day.”
His mum, Kimberly Jones, posted the video to Facebook, assuring people that she had Keaton’s permission.
“For the record, Keaton asked to do this AFTER he had me pick him up AGAIN because he was afraid to go to lunch,” she wrote. “We all know how it feels to want to belong, but only a select few know how it really feels not to belong anywhere.”
The video has been viewed over 20 million times in just a few days, and has prompted millions more to reach out to him. Chris Evans invited Keaton and his mum to the Avengers: Infinity War premiere in 2018. UFC president Dana White invited him to hang out at the UFC headquarters in Las Vegas. A GoFundMe has raised over $42,000 to help the family – either as a college fund or potentially for private school – including a $2000 donation from Patton Oswalt.
“Stay strong, Keaton,” said Evans, who plays Captain America. “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?”
“Keaton, this is so accurate,” said Millie Bobby Brown. “Why do people do this? I think your (sic) sooo coool Keaton! I wanna be your friend (but srsly) ur freaking awesome.”
“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,” said Mark Hamill.
“If you see someone getting bullied, please stand up and say something,” said Randy Havens, who plays Mr Clark on Stranger Things. “Support those getting picked on and let them know they’re not alone in this world. My heart breaks for this kid.”
“Keaton, baby, just know you’re not alone,” said Demi Lovato. “There are so many people who come out of bullying so much stronger and you will be one of them!! God bless you sweetheart.”
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
I know my fans would never do this to someone bc you are all awesome. If you see someone getting bullied, please stand up and say something. Support those getting picked on and let them know they’re not alone in this world. My heart breaks for this kid. https://t.co/0bs1JTNJfE
— Randy Havens (@MrRandyHavens) December 11, 2017
Hey Keaton, unfortunately you aren’t alone. A lot of kids are bullied, but they will be so uplifted by your courage. You’re a hero, young man. You are treasured and valued. Let me know if you’d ever like to visit ESPN. You can be my special guest. https://t.co/N8mkUTYnEy
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 11, 2017
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, 2017
https://twitter.com/milliebbrown/status/939632746384838657
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
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) December 10, 2017
I can’t get that boy I️n that video out my mind 😪I wish i can give him a hug and beat the shit out them kids that pick on him .I don’t care if they kids 👊🏽👊🏽FUCK YOU !!
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) December 10, 2017
And i don’t cry much ,actually i do 😂but that video had me fucked up all night long 😪😪😪😢😢Shit hurt me like it’s my own
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) December 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/katyperry/status/939992273135243266
Keaton’s sister Lakyn Jones, who is on Twitter, has thanked everyone for their love and support (and updated her bio to read, appropriately: “yes I’m Keaton’s sister”).
https://twitter.com/Lakyn_Jones/status/939929522786521094
https://twitter.com/Lakyn_Jones/status/939906246412562438
https://twitter.com/Lakyn_Jones/status/939547224069066753
Once people realised Lakyn was Keaton’s sister, they began tweeting her – and it looks like he’s a huge fan of MBB and Stranger Things.
https://twitter.com/Lakyn_Jones/status/939710019653787648
This is that rare example of the internet being good, and if any player in this story Milkshake Ducks, I might actually crack it.
