KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A tearful Keaton Jones is sending a powerful message across social media, and he’s gaining a wave of support from around the country -- including LeBron James.
In the video, which was posted Friday, Keaton is seen crying in the passenger seat of a vehicle while describing how bullies poured milk on him and put ham down his clothes.
“Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them? It’s not OK,” he says with tears in his eyes. “They make fun of my nose. They call me ugly. They say I have no friends.”
The video has been viewed more than 22 million times as of 5:20 a.m. Monday. It has also been shared nearly 440,000 times.
The video, however, has since been removed.
It caught the attention of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“That’s a damn shame." J.R. Smith tweeted. "Keaton if your around when we play in Memphis i would love to invite you to one of our games. Head up Champ!”
LeBron James then weighed in on Twitter with the following message: “Damn right! Bullies are straight up wack, corny, cowards, chumps, etc, etc! Keaton keep your head up buddy and push forward! You’re the best”
Damn right! Bullies are straight up wack, corny, cowards, chumps, etc, etc! Keaton keep your head up buddy and push forward! You're the best https://t.co/pqDgay77l9
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 11, 2017
Cleveland’s own UFC champ Stipe Miocic also got involved by tweeting: “Keaton, I got your back. I am getting ready for my fight, but say the word and I’m there. Come be a part of my training camp. You’re not alone. Anything you need I got you!”
Keaton, I got your back. I am getting ready for my fight, but say the word and I’m there. Come be a part of of my training camp. You’re not alone. Anything you need I got you! https://t.co/yJY22jq4cd
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) December 11, 2017
#KeatonStrong and #KeatonJones are trending on Twitter.