Puha, den kan godt være hård at starte ugen på: En stærk video af en ung, amerikansk mand, der med tårerne trillende ned ad kinderne forsøger at forstå, hvorfor folk i hans skole mobber ham, er gået viralt henover weekenden.
Drengen, der hedder Keaton Jones, er fra Knoxville, Texas og forklarer i videoen sin mor Lakyn Jones, hvordan han bliver overhældt med mælk i frokostpausen. Til gengæld modtager han lige nu støtteerklæringer fra hele Hollywood og omegn – og tilmed en invitation til gallapremieren på sommerens ‘Avengers’-film.
Du kan se videoen herunder, men sørg for at have Kleenex i nærheden.
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) 9. december 2017
Videoen fik for alvor opmærksomhed, da hele USAs Captain America Chris Evans delte den på Twitter, sammen med en opmuntrende besked til Keaton.
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) 10. december 2017
Rigtig mange af hans Hollywood-kolleger stemte i koret og trådte til med støtte, blandt andre Millie Bobby Brown, Mark Hamill, Mark Ruffalo og Patricia Arquette.
Little buddy, I was bullied when I was a kid. You are right #ItGetsBetter! You are my own personal super hero. Protect Yo Heart. You got a pal in the Hulk. https://t.co/fRTAENcmV4
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) 10. december 2017
@Lakyn_Jones Keaton, this is so accurate. Why do people do this? I think your sooo cool Keaton! I wanna be your friend ( but srsly) ur freakin awesome ❤️
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) 9. december 2017
Keaton-Don’t waste time wondering why a bully would be so mean-They’re sad people who think hurting others will make them feel better because they really don’t like themselves-They’re just jealous because you’re so smart & handsome❤️Your friend-mh https://t.co/SUMw3OoCTm
— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) 10. december 2017
Keaton, I’m sorry those kids are being so mean. Unless people like that change they will end up having unhappy lives. I think you’re cool!
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) 9. december 2017
I’m your friend, Keaton Jones. You’re a more intelligent and more compassionate human being than any of the people bullying you. I’m inspired by you and things will get better because you are speaking out. Love and strength to you, dude!
❤️? https://t.co/AivEEX2iM6— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) 10. december 2017
Også fra musikbranchen var der masser af varmende hilsner.
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) 11. december 2017
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
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) 10. december 2017
Flere lokale sportsstjerner har ligeledes rakt en hånd frem til familien med tilbud om billetter og meet and greets. Så måske bliver julen alligevel god nok for Jones og hans mor.
Læs også: Chris Evans er alt andet end patriotisk superhelt i falsk trailer til hverdagsdramaet ‘Dennis’