You’ve got a friend in me
Stars defend disabled bullying victim, 9, as video reveals torment
WHEN Yarraka Bayles uploaded a video of her son in tears after being bullied at school, little did she know it would strike a chord around the world.
Her cry for help triggered an extraordinary response – with celebrities leaping to the defence of nine-year-old Quaden, who has a form of dwarfism.
One star, fellow Australian Hugh Jackman, told the youngster: ‘You’ve got a friend in me.’
In the heartbreaking video, a distressed Quaden is seen after being bullied over his condition at school. ‘I want to die right now,’ he says, before adding: ‘Give me a knife – I want to kill myself.’
His mother said: ‘ I’ve just picked my son up from school. Witnessed a bullying episode. And I want people to know this is the effect that bullying has. This is what bullying does.’
Jackman, who played Wolverine in the X- Men movies, responded in his own Twitter video, telling Quaden: ‘You are stronger than you know mate. And no matter what, you’ve got a friend in me. Everyone let’s please be kind to each another. Bullying is not OK. Period. Life is hard enough.’
Sam Humphrey, Jackman’s co- star in the Greatest Showman, was born with acrodysplasia – a genetic disorder which prevents proper formation of parts of the skeleton. He told Quaden ‘ anything is possible’ and to ‘ never let anyone especially bullies stand in your way’.
And actor Mark Hamill wrote: ‘The cruelty is as astonishing as it’s heartbreaking.’
In the video which has been viewed more than 19million times, Miss Bayles, from Brisbane, broke down as she said she can no longer keep her son’s torment private. ‘I want people to know how much it is hurting us as a family,’ she added.
‘I want people to educate their children. The whole anti-bullying isn’t working.’
British magician Dynamo told Quaden: ‘I was bullied at school and it was horrible, don’t let those negative people get you down.’ He asked his Australian fans to ‘look after this guy for me’. US comedian Brad Williams, who also has dwarfism, set up a GoFundMe page for Quaden and his family to fly to the US for a trip to Disneyland. In 24 hours £102,557 was raised.
Australia’s National Rugby League contacted Quaden and said ‘we’ve got your back’ as they asked him to ‘lead us out’ at a game this weekend.
US President Donald Trump’s son Eric tweeted: ‘God bless this little boy... Quaden – we are all with you! Stay strong!’
The Samaritans have a free helpline for those needing support on 116123. Further information is available online at www. samaritans.org