Boy behind viral anti-bullying video amazed by support, celebrity responses

In an interview with \"GMA\" Monday, Keaton said he “never imagined” his story would gain the attention of dozens of celebrities, including Donald Trump Jr., who offered him an invitation to his home.

“All this attention really just feels amazing,” Keaton said. “[I’m] speechless, honestly. I did not ever imagine for any of this to happen.

“I think my message is being heard because, I mean, we’ve gone national. So many people are supporting us,” he added.

Keaton said the most exciting celebrity response he got was from actor Chris Evans, who urged him to “stay strong” and invited him to Los Angeles to see the premiere of the Marvel Studios-produced “Avengers: Infinity War” next year.

“The most exciting celebrity for me is Chris Evans. I love Captain America,” Keaton said. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was little for Captain America to know who I am.

Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better. While those punks at your school are deciding what kind of people they want to be in this world, how would you and your mom like to come to the Avengers premiere in LA next year? https://t.co/s1QwCQ3toi

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) December 10, 2017

\"Well, he knows who I am,” he added.

Keaton today said he made the video because he wanted to let people know that bullying is “a serious thing.”

“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,” he 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 mom also disputed allegations she is using their story to extract money from people. Jones approved one GoFundMe campaign to be set up in Keaton’s honor, she said, but cautioned that others were fakes.

“If they want to hate me or whatever that's fine, but still talk to your kids because this is an epidemic. This is an epidemic,” she told ABC News of bullying.

In a statement to ABC News, the Tennessee school district where Keaton attends school said that bullying is not and will not be tolerated.

“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,” Union County Public Schools director James Carter said in a statement.

“We do not and will not tolerate bullying and have a policy in place that addresses conduct taking place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop.”

Marvel and ABC News are owned by the Disney Co.

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