Some of music’s biggest stars are coming to the defense of Tennessee middle school student Keaton Jones after his mother, Kimberly, posted a viral video of the young man, explaining how he’s being bullied at school.
The 11-year-old can be seen tearfully asking why people criticize others, simply for being different. “Just out of curiosity,” he tearfully asks his mother, “why do they bully? What’s the point of it? Why do they find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them? It’s not okay.”
The short clip has gone viral with many celebrities voicing support for Keaton, including Cardi B, who’s been vocal about it on Twitter and Instagram. “Who ever goes to this boy school ,If you pick on him you not even a bully YOU A STRAIGHT UP PUSSY ASS PUNK ASS BITCH,” she wrote on Instagram. “Like how you pick on somebody who can’t defend them self ? THATS NOT GANGSTA ! If you a parent or somebody big sis or big bro show your kids this video and show them why they should not bully others !!”
On Twitter, she added: “I can’t get that boy In that video out my mind 😪I wish i can give him a hug and beat the shit out them kids that pick on him .I don’t care if they kids 👊🏽👊🏽FUCK YOU !! And i don’t cry much ,actually i do 😂but that video had me fucked up all night long 😪😪😪😢😢Shit hurt me like it’s my own. 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 too pick on others.”
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Chris Brown added: “I LOVE YOU BRO! Wanna encourage THE WORLD AND PEOPLE TO SHOW LOVE AND COMPASSION. this video made me wanna do harm to the people who picked on this kid, but then I realized that love works both ways. #FUCKBULLYING.”
T.I. also informed young Keaton that it’s his differences that make him “the shit” and that bullies are “just cowards who are too weak to address the hurt, pain, & unhappiness in their own miserable lives.” Snoop Dogg offered his friendship, as well: “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.”
Justin Bieber echoed Tha Doggfather’s sentiments: “You got a friend in me Lil bro! Hit me on dm and we can chat!!! Love you buddy!!”
Rihannna called Keaton a “hero” and celebrated him as a “young KING” for inspiring others. “Hero!!!” she wrote. “Thank you young KING for inspiring us all who have been in your shoes at any capacity! If you have, or currently are going through any form of bullying, my heart and my prayers go out to you! Bullies…y’all corny!”
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Jennifer Lopez said that the clip broke her heart and stood in solidarity with Keaton. “This little boy is suffering at the hand of bullies like so many other little boys and girls… but you are not alone Keaton we are here,” she wrote. “There is no room in this world for bullying or hate of any kind. And we will overcome it with love… As a parent it is my responsibility to make sure my kids know it is ok to go to an adult when someone is treating them in a way that hurts them or makes them uncomfortable or unhappy in anyway. Also to educate and teach them to treat people with kindness, love and respect no matter how different they may be from you!! #loveistheanswer #lovealwayswins #youarenotalone #bulliessuck #teachlove.”
Athletes, actors, and other musicians have also shed light on bullying as a result of the video. University of Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano said he spent the day with Keaton, who is his “new best bud.”