TENNESSEE — The mother who posted a video of her son describing the bullying and torment he endures from his classmates is facing serious backlash after Facebook photos surfaced of her proudly holding Confederate flags.
Kimberly Jones’ 11-year-old son, Keaton, received an outpouring of support from around the world when the heartbreaking video went viral.
"They make fun of my nose, they call me ugly. I have no friends,” Keaton cries as he describes how students pour milk on him and put ham down his clothes.
Celebrities rallied behind him, including Chris Evans, aka Captain America, who invited Keaton and his mother to the premiere of the Avengers next year. Actress Hailee Steinfeld tweeted a video to the family asking if Keaton would be her date to the premiere of Pitch Perfect 3 this week.
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
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But the feel-good story seems to have turned sour. Some of the support for Keaton and his family has been taken back by many viewers because of his mother’s seemingly controversial views.
Some of her old Facebook posts are being perceived as racist. In one photo, Kimberly Jones, who now has her Facebook profile set to private, is pictured posing with a Confederate flag and in another, one of her sons is holding it while another holds the American flag. She also took aim at football players like Colin Kaepernick who refuse to stand during the national anthem.
“Dear butt hurt Americans, if you aren’t bleeding, no bones are sticking out and you can breathe, STOP crying!” she writes. “For the love, some folks clearly never picked a switch. And before y’all start talking to me about metaphorical, emotional, financial or historical blood and brokenness, Don’t. Join a group.”
The video that made her son Keaton famous has been deleted. A GoFundMe account set up for Keaton, which raised close to $58,000, has also been suspended. The mother has denied that she is using her son's bullying video to make money.
That viral video of #KeatonJones talking about being bullied is heartbreaking, and I feel sympathetic towards that child.
— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) December 11, 2017
But his mom, Kimberly on the other hand, is a suspected racist who makes very problematic posts bullying Black protesters #TheIrony pic.twitter.com/NUhidunP8z
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While many say they feel duped, others remain supportive of Keaton.
“I’m still #KeatonStrong,” tweeted actor Nick Stevenson, while also telling Keaton’s mother “shame on you.”
Patton Oswalt tweeted to a follower who asked if he is taking back his support of the young boy.
“Keaton didn’t get to choose the family that raised & shaped him, you smug ghoul. Keaton’s a little kid — his family hasn’t allowed him any real perspective yet.”