Bullied Keaton Jones went viral, then Twitter learned of his racist family

A young boy named Keaton Jones went viral yesterday after a video of him discussing being bullied gained the attention of A-list celebrities — but the boy’s family instantly dropped in esteem when photos of them holding the Confederate flag were revealed.

In the original viral video, Keaton asks what the point of bullying is. When his mom prompts him to explain what the bullies do to him, Keaton says they make fun of his nose, call him ugly, and pour milk on him.

“It’s not okay,” Keaton cries. “People that are different don’t need to be criticised about it.”

Keaton Jones was Twitter’s darling until images of his family holding Confederate flags emerged

Almost immediately, celebrities were issuing their support, from US sports stars to the likes of Mark HamillDemi Lovato, and Justin Bieber. A GoFundMe page labelled “Stand Up for Keaton” raked in almost US$60 000.

Captain America star Chris Evans even invited Keaton to the Avengers: Infinity War premiere next year.

But quickly after the heartwarming story went viral, something went wrong. This time, it was in the form of Facebook photos of the Jones family posing with the Confederate flag, known for its use by those in the US civil war protecting the “right” to own slaves.

One post ostensibly by Kimberly Jones, Keaton’s mother, called out protesters as “butt hurt Americans (sic)”, and another image proclaimed “I Stand With the Flag”, a conservative movement protesting Colin Kaepernick’s own protest against police brutality.

The family quickly became a meme, as many (perhaps unfairly) believed them to be lying about the bullying for money. The GoFundMe page has been put on hold, though it’s yet unclear if it was being held by a third party not associated with the family.

A video of another bullied young boy soon went viral after the Confederate flag revelations.

Actor Mark Ruffalo — who had previously seconded costar Chris Evans’ Keaton Jones invite — invited this boy to the premiere as well.

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