Tennessee boy's anti-bullying video sparks outpouring of support from celebrities

A video of a Tennessee boy in tears talking about how he gets bullied at school went viral, prompting an outpouring of support from netizens and even Hollywood celebrities.

According to The Straits Times, Keaton Jones's mother posted the video to Facebook on Friday, writing that her son asked to make it after he had her pick him up from school because he was afraid to go to lunch.

The original video on Facebook has since been removed but it was widely re-posted on Twitter.

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

"Just out of curiosity, why do they bully? What's the point of it? Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to 'em? It's not OK," Jones says in the video.

"They make fun of my nose, they call me ugly, they say I have no friends... (they) pour milk on me and put ham down my clothes, threw bread at me," he says.

"I don't like that they do it to me and I for sure don't like that they do it to other people, 'cause it's not OK," Jones says with tears on his face.

"People that are different don't need to be criticised about it - it's not their fault. But if you are made fun of, just don't let it bother you - just stay strong," he says, adding: "It'll probably get better one day."

It seems that day may have come sooner than expected.

Chris Evans, who plays Captain America in the Avengers, invited Jones to the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War.

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's sister, who replied to the tweet, said, "... he would absolutely love that."

Hello Chris! I’m his older sister, and he would absolutely love that!

— Lakyn (@Lakyn_Jones) December 10, 2017

Pop singer Demi Lovato also expressed her support for Keaton and that he will come out of bullying 'so much stronger'.

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

Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White invited Jones to its headquarters. "This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters," White tweeted.

Meet Keaton Jones a very smart little boy who is being bullied at school. This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters. If anyone knows how i can reach the family please let me know. Thank u everyone pic.twitter.com/BR8c4ldDFc

— Dana White (@danawhite) December 10, 2017

Also, Delanie Walker, who plays tight end for the Tennessee Titans, posted a video on Twitter in which he invited Jones and his family to the football team's game on December 31.

@DonteStallworth @Lakyn_Jones hopefully my video and the tweets that Keaton have been getting brings awareness to bullying and how serious it is in our school system pic.twitter.com/1Dujv3RxA5

— Delanie walker (@delaniewalker82) December 9, 2017

The response has been overwhelming for Jones's mother Kimberly.

"Friends, overwhelmed is the understatement of the world right now. I love each of you for what you are doing, but there is literally no way I can respond or even read all of the messages," she wrote in a follow-up post, which had since been deleted.