A former Wendy’s manager was arrested for tying a neurodivergent employee to a grill at a franchise in Tennessee last month.
Michiko Burton, 19, admitted to the accusations and was charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, and false imprisonment by the Murfreesboro Police Department.
Burton said the incident was part of a TikTok trend and admitted to the deed while speaking to police on September 6, Fox 8 reported.
The incident was referred to Adult Protective Services and investigated by detectives with the Special Victims Unit.
Isaac Kimes, the attorney for the neurodivergent employee’s family, told Fox 8: ‘This has been an awful traumatic event.
‘The young man in the video seen now by millions is not doing well.
‘The family thinks, and I think anyone would think, that it’s absolutely inappropriate, unsafe, and dehumanizing to tie an employee to a grill,’ Kimes added.
‘Dave Thomas wouldn’t approve of chaining an employee to a grill.’
Burton was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 bond. She is set to appear in court on October 22.
Murfreesboro police interviewed the employee, who told officers he was not upset and was not injured.
But this week, Kimes said the family is currently considering whether or not to take legal action and asked police to re-open an investigation after the video showed the worker tied to kitchen equipment.
The video itself was filmed by another co-worker, Nicholus Murphy.
‘I actually felt sad for him,’ Murphy said. ‘I actually wanted to cry.’
Murphy also explained Burton told workers she needed the neurodivergent employee to ‘stay put’ so she could take care of her work in the back office in the meantime.
The employee was reportedly tied to the grill for seven minutes.
Burton told police the incident was a TikTok trend and intended as a joke, according to the report. Murphy and the victim’s family disputed that explanation.
‘If there was a TikTok trend, then where’s the TikTok?’ Murphy said.
Neurodivergent worker at Tennessee Wendy’s tied to kitchen equipment by managerThe Wendy’s general manager also confirmed to WSMV4 Investigates that a manager was fired because of the incident. For more Local News from WSMV: https://www.wsmv.com/ For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3Vc0gEOccJrQC-a25nGdg
YouTube • WSMV 4 Nashville
In a recorded meeting with staff, an area manager called the incident ‘unacceptable’ and said Burton was no longer employed at the restaurant.
The Wendy’s general manager also confirmed that a manager was fired because of the incident, according to WSMV4.
In a statement, Wendy’s of Bowling Green, the franchisee that owns and operates the restaurant, said: ‘The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority.
‘This behavior is inconsistent with our values and the standards we expect in our restaurants.
‘Upon learning of the situation, it was promptly investigated and appropriate action was taken.
‘We remain committed to maintaining a respectful workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.’
The Daily Mail contacted Burton, Kimes and Wendy’s for comment.
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