It was the viral video that hit a nerve with millions of people online. 6th grader Keaton Jones talking about the painful effects of being bullied by his classmates at school…

 

 

Since the video went viral, celebrities like, Chris Evans, Katy Perry, Cardi B and others reached out to Keaton, offering their support of the young boy and even offering him different opportunities to come and hang out with them.

 

 

A GoFundMe page was even set up for Keaton by someone who wrote,

“I came across this video on facebook of Kim Jones and her son Keaton.  Keaton is being bullied at school.  This video really touched my heart.  I decided to do this GoFund Me to help with this childs future.  I know that money may not be the answer for this problem that we are facing in our communities with bullying.  One of my biggest fears as a parent is that my children will be bullied in school.   I know its a big task to tackle but it starts inside of our walls and the values that we teach our children.  This is just one case of thousands out there.  How many of our children stay in silence out of fear for their safety or for the fear of being further unaccepted. Over 3.2 million kids are bullied annually. 160,000 kids on a daily basis skip school out of fear from being bullied.  They just want to be accepted and to be able to learn in a safe enviroment.   Im so glad Kim posted this video of her son.  It shows how bullying can really impact a child.  The video that she posted really touched my heart and felt compelled to help.  This is best way that I knew how.”

Well, like most things this year (at least that’s what it feels like), the story has taken a turn with allegations of racism and bigoted behaviour being levied against Keaton’s mother Kimberly; Complex News covers that a bit in the video below.

 

 

Kimberly and Keaton sat down with Good Morning America to discuss the viral video and the controversy that has since surrounded them.

Kimberly spoke to CBS News about the controversial pictures on her Facebook page, “The only two photos — the only two photos on my entire planet that I am anywhere near a Confederate flag. It was ironic. “I’ve said I spent most of my life being bullied and judged because I wasn’t racist.”

She also told ABC News, “I feel like anybody who wants to take the time to ask anybody who I am or even troll through some other pictures, I mean I feel like we’re not racist.”

She added, It was meant to be ironic and funny … I am genuinely truly sorry. If I could take it back, I would.”

You can check out the interview above!

Filed under: bullying, keaton-jones, kissmornings