UPDATE: Keaton Jones Video Removed From Facebook After Racism Accusations
11 December 2017, 10:44 | Updated: 12 December 2017, 10:43
Many celebrities have since removed their support as allegations spread online.
UPDATE 12/12/17
Deadline reports that several old Facebook posts by Keaton's mother Kimberly have been uncovered, featuring "pictures of confederate flags" as well as criticism of black protests against police brutality. There are also unconfirmed reports that Keaton was reprimanded at school for using racial epiphets.
Several celebrities have since removed their support, with Rihanna deleting her previous Instagram post and other figures such as Andy Black and Mark Ruffalo posting follow-up messages addressing the allegations.
MMA boxer Joe Schilling has also posted a video about his own misgivings about Keaton's mother after meeting her earlier this week:
So MMA Boxer Joe Schilling spoke with Keaton Jones’ mother and well he found some things out pretty fast. pic.twitter.com/WXoGggjMwX
— Mars Blackmon (@DrTGIF) December 11, 2017
The original video of Keaton, posted to Kimberly's Facebook page, has now been removed or made private.
ORIGINAL POST 11/12/17
Keaton Jones, a young boy from Knoxville, has received a huge amount of support from celebrities including Mark Hamill and Millie Bobby Brown after a video in which he discussed bullying at his school went viral.
Jones' mother posted the video to Facebook earlier this week in which Keaton recounts stories of his daily struggles at school, asking "Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?":
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
As the emotional video spread across the internet, many famous faces began to offer their support, including Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo, who personally invited Jordan to the Avengers: Infinty 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
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
Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber and YouTuber Jack Septiceye also showed their support with messages online.
Here are just a few of the messages of support sent to Keaton Jones:
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
@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
Breaks my heart to see stuff like this. Bullies never win in the long run! For anyone being bullied please stay strong because it DOES get better and you will amount to so much more than your bullies ever will! Also hang in there Keaton, you’re great! 👊 https://t.co/0mTpWSRYOD
— Jacksanticeye (@Jack_Septic_Eye) December 11, 2017
Keaton you are awesome for sharing like this - you set an example for us all. Just want you to know you are welcome to any @GoodCharlotte show anytime you want, we would love to meet you dude! https://t.co/msQuVfN0DL
— Joel Madden (@JoelMadden) December 10, 2017
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