Celebrities stand by boy in viral video against bullying

Bullied boy gets words of encouragement from stars nationwide

MIAMI – Keaton Jones' mother, Kimberly Jones, filmed him crying, after picking him up from school. He said he was afraid to go to lunch at Horace Maynard Middle School in Maynardville, Tenn.

In tears, Keaton said vicious bullies were tormenting him when they told him he didn't have any friends, poured milk on him and rubbed food on his clothes, but he had some hope. 

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"People that are different don't need to be criticized about it," Keaton said. "It's not their fault, but if you are made fun of, just don't let it bother you, stay strong I guess. It's hard, but it will probably get better one day."

Keaton's video went viral and #StandWithKeaton and #StayStrongKeaton included celebrities from all over the country. His team of new friends invited him to the White House, movie premieres and offered to help him protect himself. 

He also received messages of encouragement from UFC President Dana White, Captain America actor Chris Evans, Katy Perry, Millie Bobby Brown aka "Eleven" from Stranger Things, rapper Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber and Hailee Steinfeld.

Jarrett Guarantano, a University of Tennessee Vols quarterback, tweeted a picture with his "new best bud" on Sunday evening.

"This dude is very special and has changed my life forever," Guarantano wrote. "Now I have the little brother I always wanted! God bless you my man." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


About the Author:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.