Video of Bullied Boy Goes Viral Across America, Now His Mother is Being Called a Racist

A viral video that captured the hearts of people across America over the weekend has since sparked controversy.

Tennessee woman Kimberly Jones posted a video Friday of her son, Keaton, describing the bullying he endures every day and wondering why some people bully others. Now, she is being accused of racism after images of her family and Confederate flags emerged on social media.

She admitted Tuesday on Good Morning America that the images taken from her Facebook page were real.

“It was meant to be ironic, funny and extreme,” Jones said. “I am genuinely, truly sorry. If I could take it back I would.”

“The only two photos — the only two photos on my entire planet that I am anywhere near a Confederate flag. It was ironic. It was funny,” she told CBS News. “I spent most of my life being bullied and judged because I wasn’t racist.”

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Jones is also defending herself against allegations that she posted the video of Keaton to profit off of his misfortune. Several GoFundMe campaigns have been set up in the Jones’ name, but she only approved of one.

Despite what people might think of her, the mother of three encouraged people to still stand up against bullying and support her son.

“They want to hate me, I mean, whatever, that’s fine, but still talk to your kids,” Jones said on GMA.

Keaton’s older sister, Lakyn, took to Twitter to defend her mother and family from the various accusations.

She has also cautioned people regarding fake GoFundMe accounts that were not made “by any of us.”

Many people have continued to post their support of Keaton in an attempt to separate the boy from the accusations against his mother.

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Keaton’s school also addressed the issue on Monday in a series of statements.

“To fulfill our mission of educating all children in Union County Public Schools, we must provide an academic environment that is safe, civil and supportive,” said Director of Schools Jimmy Carter said, according to USA Today.

Horace Maynard Middle School Principal Greg Clay said the occurrence in question had been dealt with weeks ago.

“It’s not as rampant as the video would have you believe,” Clay said. “I can’t tell you what was done, but I can tell you action was taken with the children.”

Despite the backlash against his mother, Keaton is still preaching the importance of standing up to bullying.

“I made the video to raise awareness for bullying, not for fame or fortune, it was not at all for that. It was to raise awareness to bullying,” Keaton told GMA. “(It’s) a serious thing that goes on in our society. People criticize other people for the way they look and act; it’s not their fault.”

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