Will Smith Surprises Teens Behind Viral Anti-Bullying Video

Three Memphis high schoolers have learned just how rewarding kindness can be.

Kristopher Brown and Antwain Garrett, two football players at MLK College Preparatory High School, made national headlines this month after they decided to help out Micheal Todd—their 14-year-old classmate who was being bullied for wearing the same clothes to school every day. The teens admitted that they initially failed to stand up for the student and even laughed while others made fun of him. So, in an effort to make amends, the Kristopher and Antwain gifted Michael with clothes and shoes from their own closets.

The boys also captured the gesture on video then posted it to Facebook.

After the clip had gone viral, the three teens were invited to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where they got a surprise visit from Will Smith. 

“I saw the video and me and Jada were sitting around,” Smith told the boys. “I was like, ‘That is fantastic and there is no way that I’m letting this pass without making contact with these kids…. What you did felt small to you, but I promise you, that is exactly how human beings are supposed to interact with one another. And it’s not more complicated than that. Somebody’s having a hard time and you help them. It’s that simple.”

He continued: “What was really big also was the self-correct. You saw that you were laughing and you were part of it and you stopped and self-corrected.”

Smith then presented the high schoolers with pieces from his upcoming merch line as well as New Balance sneakers. The actor also announced that the footwear company would donate gear to every student at MLK College Prep. 

But the gifts didn’t stop there.

Ellen also informed the teens that they would receive $10,000 each, courtesy of Shutterfly.

You can check out the segment above.