A video of a young boy’s emotional plea to his bullies has gone viral, touching the hearts of people worldwide and corralling some new famous friends on his side.
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” Keaton Jones, a student from Maynardville, Tenn., asks in the video. “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.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Trying to hold back tears, he goes on to say that the bullies “make fun of my nose, they call me ugly, they say I have no friends” and pour milk and food down his clothes.
“It’ll probably get better one day,” he says before turning away from the camera.
“For the record, Keaton asked to do this AFTER he had he me pick him up AGAIN because he was afraid to go to lunch,” his mother, Kimberly Jones, wrote on Facebook, where the video has been viewed 19 million times and shared over 389,000 times as of Sunday evening (Dec. 10).
“This broke my [heart] today. Please be kind to one another,” Katy Perry wrote, and Enrique Iglesias agreed: “Heartbreaking to see this. Keaton you’re strong to say these things and care so much for others.”
Cardi B unleashed a heated rant on Twitter after seeing the clip: “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.” She added, “I can’t get that boy In 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!!” and “That video had me fucked up all night long. Shit hurt me like it’s my own.”
Snoop Dogg offered, “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.”
Meanwhile, Kelsea Ballerini wrote, “buddy next time I make it home to Knox I’m going to walk into that lunchroom with you and watch the bullies say they are sorry to you. you don’t deserve that. keep your head up and continue to be kind…you will always Come out on top. sending a hug.”
Watch Keaton’s video, and see the supportive tweets below.
This broke my — today. Please be kind to one another. #standwithkeaton https://t.co/8XBbFmnuc1
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) December 10, 2017
Heartbreaking to see this. Keaton you’re strong to say these things and care so much for others. #TeamKeaton https://t.co/hgp0ehnn8Y
— Enrique Iglesias (@enriqueiglesias) 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
I can’t get that boy I?n 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 !!
— iamcardib (@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
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) December 10, 2017
buddy next time I make it home to Knox I’m going to walk into that lunchroom with you and watch the bullies say they are sorry to you. you don’t deserve that. keep your head up and continue to be kind…you will always Come out on top. sending a hug. https://t.co/fZn2hbMPKp
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) 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
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 #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