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$58k GoFundMe Page Halted ​As Family Of Keaton Jones Respond To Racist Accusations

$58k GoFundMe Page Halted ​As Family Of Keaton Jones Respond To Racist Accusations

A GoFundMe page set up for the family remains halted as Keaton's mum, Kimberley Jones, faces accusations of racism.

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Keaton Jones recently made headlines after a heart-breaking but inspirational video of him went viral on social media, after his mum filmed him in tears speaking out about being bullied.

Within no time at all, people were flocking to show their support for Keaton, from Tennessee, United States - including well-known celebrities, like Justin Bieber, NFL tight end Delanie Walker, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and Star Wars' Mark Hamill. Captain America himself, Chris Evans, even invited Keaton and his mum to attend the Avengers: Infinity War premiere next week, before fellow star Mark Ruffalo joined in and extended the invite.

However, since the video went viral, accusations regarding Keaton's mum, Kimberley, have arisen - with claims that she had previously posed with a confederate flag and had also made controversial statements on her Facebook account, according to Daily Mail online.

A screenshot of what is claimed to be a status from Kimberley's Facebook account says: "Dear butt hurt Americans, If you aren't bleeding, no bones are sticking out & you can breathe, STOP crying! 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 & brokenness, Don't. Join a group."

This was shared early on Monday morning by African-American activist Tariq Nasheed, who said: "That viral video of #KeatonJones talking about being bullied is heartbreaking, and I feel sympathetic towards that child. But his mom, Kimberly on the other hand, is a suspected racist who makes very problematic posts bullying Black protesters #TheIrony".

The tweet also included a screenshot of Kimberly Jones' Facebook page, showing photos of family members waving the Confederate flag.

Her Facebook page has now been deleted, and a GoFundMe page set up for the family - which has raised $58,000 (£43,000) so far - has also been temporarily halted.

Keaton's sister Lakyn Jones has since denied her family is bigoted, and even responded to a tweet from actress Patricia Arquette, saying: "Keaton never said those things. He's not a racist and we don't condone that behavior".

Lakyn also said that an Instagram account claiming to be Kimberley's was fake, tweeting: "The Instagram KimberlyJones_38 is NOT my mom. She has a private Instagram and hasn't talked to anyone. We haven't received any money and don't plan on it. The gofundme's aren't by any of us."

A follow-up tweet also said: "Those who know me and my family know we aren't racist. My brother doesn't say the "N" word. Please leave it alone".

In an earlier message that has now been deleted, Lakyn wrote, according to the Daily Mail online: "My mother is not in anyway a racist. I can assure you of that. She is just a strong southern woman."

Bellator MMA fighter Joe Schilling has also claimed he had a conversation with Mrs Jones on Instagram, where she asked him to donate money instead of taking Keaton to an event like he wanted.

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