Keaton Jones' Mom Responds To Accusations, 'I Feel Like We're Not Racist'
The mother of Tennessee child, Keaton Jones, has spoken out after she was accused of being a racist. A video Jones explaining his experience with bullying went viral early Monday.
Kimberly Jones Denies Being Racist
While several celebrities headed to social media to #StandWithKeaton, it came out just hours later that his mother was getting extra close and comfortable with Confederate flags. Now, Kimberly Jones, has responded to the backlash she has received amid allegations that she is racist.
She said in fact, she had been mistreated in the past because she isn’t racist. “The only two photos – the only two photos on my entire planet that I am anywhere near a Confederate flag. It was ironic,” said Kimberly. “I’ve spent most of my life being bullied and judged because I wasn’t racist.”
Interestingly enough, she went on to apologize while defending herself and maintaining that she has no ill thoughts toward those of different races and backgrounds. “I feel like anybody who wants to take the time to ask somebody who I am or even troll through some other pictures, I mean I feel like we’re not racist,” added Kimberly.”
She said the photos that hit viral status Monday were only supposed to be jokes. She added that she regrets her decision to post the photos and wishes she could “take it back.”
Kimberly’s daughter, Lakyn, also stood for her mother and Keaton on Twitter.
My family will continue to support each other. You all can hate and tweet all you want but our faith cant be shaken
— Lakyn (@Lakyn_Jones) December 11, 2017
Those who know me and my family know we aren’t racist. My brother doesn’t say the “N” word. Please leave it alone — Lakyn (@Lakyn_Jones) December 11, 2017
While she has gained the support of her daughter, Kimberly had another speculation to fight off that had gone public. Amid Keaton’s popularity, a GoFundMe page was started on his behalf. Critics said Kimberly only posted the video of Keaton crying about bullied in order to get money. Keaton and Kimberly disputed those claims.
Kimberly Jones Clears The Air
Kimberly did announce that she was only behind one GoFundMe page for Keaton and that the others were imposters. Keaton said he made the statements about bullying to build awareness. He said he didn’t do it with the hopes of getting attention from celebrities or even getting money. He reiterated his thoughts on the video and said, “[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.”
Keaton’s school, Horace Maynard Middle School, said they will take action against bullying by holding an anti-bullying campaign. Keaton said he has no regrets about speaking out about his experience. See the full video that went viral below.
