The mother of Tennesse schoolboy Keaton Jones is defending herself against accusations of racism after photos emerged of her and her bullied son posing with the Confederate flag. Watch it here:
Credit: Good Morning America
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"I feel like anybody who wants to take the time to ask anybody who I am or even troll through some other pictures, I mean I feel like we're not racist," said Kimberly Jones on Good Morning America.
"I mean, people that know us, know us."
The mother-of-three then defended the image, adding: "It was meant to be ironic and funny and extreme. I am genuinely truly sorry. If I could take it back, I would."
Kimberly was not only responding to the photos of the Confederate flag but also that she had made controversial statements on her Facebook account.
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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.
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Her Facebook page has now been deleted, and a GoFundMe page set up for the family - which had raised $58,000 (£43,000) in just four days - 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."
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A follow-up tweet added: "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: "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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Sources: Daily Mail
Topics: News
