A young boy’s message about bullying has gone viral – and attracted quite a bit of celebrity attention.
Keaton Jones from Tennessee in the US has had a hard time with bullies at school lately and so his mum recorded him talking about his experience and shared it online.
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” Keaton asks.
“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.
“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.”
He’d had milk and other foods thrown over him by bullies at school, he continued.
“They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends.
“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 OK.”
In her post, his mum Kimberley explained that Keaton had asked her to pick him up as he was afraid to go to lunch at school.
“We all know how it feels to want to belong, but only a select few know how it really feels not to belong anywhere,” she wrote.
The video caught the attention of a number of big names, who reached out to Keaton online.
Avengers actor Chris Evans even asked Keaton to join him at the premiere of the next film in the franchise next year.
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
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, 2017
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
— Patrick J Adams (@halfadams) December 9, 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
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