Bully victim’s video stirs public emotions

Outpouring of support for boy who was terrorised in school

WashiNgtON: A video of a boy tearfully talking about being bullied at school has gone viral and prompted an outpouring of support from Hollywood celebrities, music stars, athletes and others.

Keaton Jones’ (pic) mother posted the video on Friday on Facebook, writing that her son asked to make it after he had her pick him up from school because he was afraid to go to lunch.

It has since been viewed 22 million times and shared more than 440,000 times.

“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully? 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,” Jones says in the video.

“They make fun of my nose, they call me ugly, they say I have no friends... (they) pour milk on me and put ham down my clothes, threw bread at me,” he says.

“I don’t like that they do it to me and I for sure don’t like that they do it to other people, ‘cause it’s not OK,” Jones says, tears running down his face.

“People that are different don’t need to be criticised about it – it’s not their fault. But if you are made fun of, just don’t let it bother you – just stay strong,” he says, adding: “It’ll probably get better one day.”

That day may have come sooner than he expected.

Chris Evans, the actor who plays Captain America, has invit- ed Jones to the premiere of the next Avengers film.

“Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better,” Evans wrote on Twitter.

“While those punks at your school are deciding what kind of people they want to be in this world, how would you and your mum like to come to the Avengers premiere in LA next year?”

Rapper Snoop Dogg encouraged Jones to get in touch with him by direct message.

“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,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

“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,” tweeted Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the blockbuster space saga Star Wars. — AFP