Chris Evans Becomes Real-Life Captain America, Invites Bullied Boy to ‘Avengers’ Premiere
UPDATE: After this story went to press, numerous news outlets and social media users reported on disturbing content discovered on Keaton Jones’ mother Kimberly’s Facebook page, including Confederate flag imagery and statements against “butt hurt” Americans that can be construed as racist and have led some to find her anti-bully sentiment hypocritical.
Keaton Jones MOM is a next level racist who’s posted in many offensive and non remorseful comments towards black people, so how is she preaching about bullying when she herself is a bully ??? lmao people are funny pic.twitter.com/bTnF7BFDGr
— Queen Mel ?? (@BLVCKMATTERS) December 11, 2017
Original story appears below:
Meet Keaton Jones, a middle school student from Tennessee who has inspired a wave of encouragement with his heartbreaking viral video.
Kimberly Jones shared a video of her son shortly after she had to pick him up from school. The middle school student was too fearful and upset to go to lunch due to the bullies at his school.
In the heartrending video, Jones describes how the bullies attack him by pouring milk on him and calling him ugly for the scars left on his head from a previous operation.
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
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” Keaton 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 OK. It’s not OK.”
He continued, “People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault. They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends.”
After being posted, Kimberly Jones’ video quickly went viral, collecting millions of views across multiple social media platforms.
The viral video struck a cord with many celebrities, including Chris Evans, J.R. Smith, and LeBron James. Evans even invited the teen to the Avengers: Infinity War premiere 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
Other celebrities that reached out to Jones included Mark Ruffalo, Ryan Seacrest, and Millie Bobby Brown.
#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, 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
@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
Check out more of the outpouring of support below.
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
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
Damn right! Bullies are straight up wack, corny, cowards, chumps, etc, etc! Keaton keep your head up buddy and push forward! You're the best https://t.co/pqDgay77l9
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 11, 2017
That’s a damn shame. Keaton if your around when we play in Memphis i would love to invite you to one of our games. Head up Champ! https://t.co/Moh9ObdgX8
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) December 11, 2017
Dear Keaton Jones, hopefully you see this. Your an amazing soul my man, never let ANYONE tell you otherwise! Keep your head up & chest out. Your a solider, always remember that.
— DeAndre Washington (@dwa5hington) 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
— Mark Hamill (@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
.@lakyn_jones Hey Keaton, bullies are the ones with the problems NOT you. Many are bullied at home and pass it on. Cowards always need an audience. Be strong! I’ll come walk the hall and eat lunch with you anytime. #IstandwithKeaton #Keatonstrong #KeatonJones
— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) December 10, 2017
