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Viral video puts spotlight on Tennessee boy and bullying

YouTube.com

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT)  --  A Tennessee boy’s tearful description of being bullied at school is the latest YouTube viral video with millions of views reported.

Knoxville resident Kimberly Jones made the video this past Friday. She’d just picked her son, Keaton, up from school because he was afraid to go to lunch in the school cafeteria.

In the video Keaton says bullies call him ugly, make fun of his nose and tell him he has no friends.

“It’s not OK. People who are different do not need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault.”

Keaton when on to tell his mother the bullying had recently gone from taunts to physical abuse in the cafeteria. The boy told her his tormentors had poured milk on him and stuffed food in his clothing.

Perhaps most touching of all is Keaton’s hopeful attitude in spite of the abuse, and his concern for others suffering at the hands of bullies.

“But if you are made fun of don’t let it bother you. ...It’ll probably get better one day.”

Messages of support include notes from a number of celebrities: LeBron James, Snoop Dog, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker and Country music star Kelsea Ballerini just to name a few.

Actor Chris Pine wrote saying “Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better.”

Pine is perhaps best known for his role as Captain America in the Avenger’s movies. He invited Keaton and his mother to the 2018 premiere of the next installment of the film franchise.

Would you like to view Keaton's viral video?