"I was the smallest one," the teen said Thursday during an appearance on the ABC morning talk show "The View."
Khoury, the Upper Darby 13-year-old who was allegedly bullied by seven fellow students Jan. 11, appeared on the ABC daytime show on Thursday.
Khoury’s story came to the forefront this week when Upper Darby police arrested seven teenagers who were recorded on video bullying him, which concluded with Khoury hanging by his coat from a fence.
Taking questions from interviewer Barbara Walters, Khoury, with his mother, Rebecca Wright, and stepfather sitting by his side, said he knew why he was picked to be a victim.
“They messed with me because I’m one of the smallest ones,” he said. “When we first moved into the area, they saw my mom and because she was an African they made fun of my mom a lot.”
Khoury said the bullying started with words, before it became physical.
“They used to come over and say smart things, call me names, go over to their friends and make fun about it,” he said. “The teacher would sit there and watch and not do anything.”
The Eagles’ DeSean Jackson, Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans were also on “The View” Thursday. Jackson took off his jersey, signed it and gave it to Khoury.
The players offered Khoury and his family free tickets to an Eagles game of their choice next season.
“First off, we’re very blessed to be here,” DeSean Jackson said. “First and foremost, you were very brave to stand up and take this on. This happens every day.”
Khoury was clearly moved by the Eagles players’ appearance. “The View” host Whoopi Goldberg pointed out the three Eagles changed their schedules so they could be on Thursday’s show.
“What you all did, just to take the time and come out and see me,” a teary-eyed Khoury said, looking at DeSean Jackson and shaking his hand. “Just so you know, you’re my favorite player on the Eagles.”
It was the second national TV appearance for the bullying victim since the story broke earlier this week.
A video made by the suspects also shows Khoury being hung upside down from a tree before being hung by his coat on a fence outside an Upper Darby apartment complex.
Despite Khoury’s screams for help, no one came to his aid or called 911.
The seven students at the Upper Darby High School Opportunities Center face a slew of charges. They were in Delaware County Court Wednesday, where they were all ordered held while they undergo psychological evaluations.
All seven were captured on the video of the incident in which Khoury was allegedly tormented, kidnapped and assaulted.
Officials confirmed the seven will remain in the Juvenile Detention Center in Lima pending a Feb. 10 pretrial hearing.
The seven are facing charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful restraint and recklessly endangering another person.
Wright said one thing Khoury won’t be doing is going back to school at Upper Darby. He will be home-schooled.
What the Khourys will be doing sometime next fall is attending an Eagles game.
No comments:
Post a Comment