Canadians Justin Bieber and Nickelback are among the music acts reaching out to Keaton Jones, the Tennessee boy whose tearful tale of bullying has gone viral.
Jones’ mother Kimberly posted the minute-long video of her son talking about being picked on at school – including how he is called ugly, told he has no friends, and assaulted with food.
“Why do they bully?” he asks. “What’s the point of it? Why do they find joy in taking innocent people and find a way to be mean to them? It’s not OK.”
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
Reaction to the clip has been strong.
Bieber shared the video on Instagram and wrote: "You got a friend in me Lil bro! Hit me on dm and we can chat!!! Love you buddy!!" He also posted a video message. "The fact that he still has sympathy and compassion for other people when he’s going through it himself is a testament to who he is,” the singer said.
“This kid is all-time. He’s a legend.”
A tweet from Nickelback read: “‘Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.’ Stay strong Keaton, you’re a very brave young man and a lot of great folks have your back. @Lakyn_Jones if there is anything we can do for Keaton, please let us know. #StandWithKeaton #StopBullying."
Fresh off her performance at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in Toronto, Cardi B tweeted an emoji-packed rant about the boy’s tormenters.
“I can’t get that boy In that video out of my mind,” she wrote. “I wish I can give him a hug and beat the s**t out them kids that pick on him. I don’t care if they kids.
“I’m so Sad and angry like I’m OD hot. Please teach your kids not to be bullies. Teach them how to be tough but not to pick on others.
“And i don’t cry much, actually I do but that video had me f**ked up all night long. S**t hurt me like it’s my own.”
Katy Perry tweeted: “This broke my [heart] today. Please be kind to one another” and Enrique Iglesias shared: “Heartbreaking to see this. Keaton you’re strong to say these things and care so much for others.”
Demi Lovato also used the hashtag #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.”
Former Jonas Brothers singer Kevin Jonas called Jones 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!”
Country star Kelsea Ballerini said she is sending Jones a hug via Twitter. “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.”
Singer Carnie Wilson tweeted: "You are a totally amazing person with a great future ahead of you! Don’t let ANY unhappy person bring you down!! I support u- let’s END BULLYING!!!! Sending [love] to you !!!"
Also reaching out to Jones is Hailee Steinfeld, who posted a video message inviting him to be her date at the Pitch Perfect 3 premiere.
Hi @Lakyn_Jones, could you pass this message along to Keaton? ❤ pic.twitter.com/3l8P4fKAqW
— Hailee Steinfeld (@HaileeSteinfeld) December 10, 2017
Snoop Dogg reached out to Jones on Instagram. “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.”