Chris Evans and Other Celebs Are Rallying Around Bullied Boy Keaton Jones
Over the weekend, a video of a boy named Keaton Jones tearfully telling his mom that he was being badly bullied at school started making the rounds on social media. As the video went viral, a number of celebrities spoke out in support of Jones, and Chris Evans, AKA Captain America, even reached out with an offer fit for a real-life superhero.
“Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better,” Evans tweeted to the Knoxville, Tennessee teen. He then made an offer no one would be able to refuse. “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?”
Within minutes, Keaton’s older sister replied to the actor on behalf of her little brother, saying that he would absolutely love to attend. Evans told her he was on it, giving her the thumbs up in emoji form.
I’m on it 👍🏻
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) December 10, 2017
The video of Keaton was posted by his mom, Kimberly, shortly after she had to pick up her son from school on Friday. In the video, he describes being too afraid to go to lunch because of kids who poured milk on him and called him names because of the scars that a tumor operation left on his head.
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” Keaton tearfully 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 ’em? It’s not okay. It’s not okay! People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault.”
This is Keaton Jones, he lives in Knoxville and he has a little something to say about bullying.pic.twitter.com/coyQxFp33V
— Everything TN (@Everything_TN) December 9, 2017
Evans wasn’t the only celebrity to throw their support behind the kid. Hailee Steinfeld also invited him to the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere, while Millie Bobbie Brown, Mark Hamill, Kevin Jonas, and many, many more reached out to commend his strength and call him a friend for life.
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? ❤ pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) 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
@Lakyn_Jones 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 ❤️
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 9, 2017
Keaton- your vulnerability, honesty and emotional intelligence already show how much more powerful, valuable, unique and human you are than any of the bullies you talked about. I have no doubt it will get better and we will all do our part to make sure it does. We love you. https://t.co/JN9hCU49pY
— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) 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
You are the MAN #KeatonJones. That video is powerful and correct. Bullying is not okay. ✊🏾
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) December 11, 2017
Hey Keaton Jones, I’d like to invite you to be my guest at any show of mine of your choice. I’ll cover ur flights and accommodation.
Big up for speaking up, buddy!!! 👍— Zedd (@Zedd) December 11, 2017
Dear Keaton Jones
Please know that you are right, those people that seek to hurt innocent people are not right. Your pain is valid and the world is on your side love, you are going to come through this. You are Superman, thank you for reminding us about human decency.
Love
C— Cynthia Erivo (@CynthiaEriVo) December 11, 2017
#KeatonJones you are the bravest boy. Thank you for speaking up for so many kids who are bullied. All this outpouring of love is proof that there are good people out there. You are awesome! ❤️ @Lakyn_Jones #STOMPOutBullying https://t.co/W5baEiFuxt
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) December 11, 2017
To #KeatonJones – you are such a strong, intelligent, and eloquent young man. And it WILL get better one day because of people like YOU who ARE different and refuse to conform. Those kids don’t know what they’re missing. I’d be chasing you down to be my friend. ❤️
— Tina Majorino (@tinamajorino) December 11, 2017
Hey, #KeatonJones, wanna know a secret? All of the things they bullied me in school about back then are the same things that have made me successful today. Stay strong and USE THIS FOR GOOD! #KeatonStrong
— Keith Powell (@KeithPowell) December 10, 2017
#KeatonJones, your curiosity and kindness will overcome this moment and bring you many better days to come. #StandWithKeaton https://t.co/8t4ojKLs72
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) 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
Have you been following the Keaton Jones story? Let us know @BritandCo.
(photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
