By Cavan Sieczkowski: Subscribe to Cavan's RSS feed
December 6, 2011 10:21 AM EST
Jonah Mowry, a bullied eighth-grader who shared a video on YouTube describing his pain and perseverance through difficult times, has had to face criticism after widespread public responsiveness.
The original video was posted four months ago in August 2011 and features Mowry describing his struggles on a series of cue cards. The young boy remains silent throughout the powerful and emotional video titled "Whats goin on." His story is expressed through written words and the song "Breathe Me" by Sia.
Mowry's video went viral after being picked up and promoted by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. Hilton, who advocates on behalf of LGBT rights and anti-bullying campaigns, posted Mowry's video on Web site.
Some have spoken out against Mowry after seeing a second follow-up video on YouTube. They accuse him of being a "fraud" and making exaggerated claims for publicity.
The follow-up video, originally posted by Mowry (which he deleted, but was re-uploaded by another YouTube user) shows a happier Mowry than the one in the "Whats goin on" video. In the follow-up, Mowry sits on a bed with a friend talking to the camera. He says now "almost my entire school loves me." The individual who uploaded it points out that Mowry "laughs and chews gum obnoxiously" during the video, entitled "(HAI DAIR) Jonah Mowry lied? You decide."
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View the follow-up video embedded below.
Now, family, friends and Perez Hilton are coming to Mowry's defense.
"I'm disappointed that somebody could look at the first video and then look at the second and think it's a lie," Jonah's mother, Peggy Sue Mowry, told ABC News.
"He's a child. He's a 14-year-old boy. He's very young."
Peggy Sue, a 52-year-old hairdresser from Lake Forest, Calif., said that her son has truly been "uplifted" by all of the support.
"I'm thankful. There are a lot of people that are giving their warm wishes and uplifting Jonah, and I think that's good."
Friends and celebrities alike have taken to Twitter to support Jonah and commend him for his bravery.
"People are haters. Its not often sm1 will make themslvs [sic] so vulnerable @JonahMowryReal did. Haters get a clue spread love be proud of him" posted on user.
Ricky Martin tweeted: "Sending @JonahMowryReal one big rib breaking hug :0) ! Stay strong buddy! You are 1 courageous young man!!! Remember #LoveConquersHate!"
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