A manager at a Wendy's location in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been fired after she allegedly used trash bags to tie a neurodivergent coworker to a stove, according to fellow employee Nicholus Murphy.
Murphy told WSMV that the manager, identified as Michiko Burton, restrained the employee to make him "stay put." He reported being horrified by the incident and filmed Burton standing by the stove with a white trash bag around the employee's ankle.
Murphy sent the video to his supervisor, which led to Burton's termination. The Murfreesboro Police Department was informed of the incident, but no charges were filed because the victim stated he was unharmed and not upset. Murphy, however, noted that the employee appeared sad during the incident.
According to reports, Burton claimed her actions were part of a TikTok trend. Murphy expressed skepticism about this explanation, asking for evidence of the trend. During a recorded staff meeting, another manager stated that Burton's alleged actions were "unacceptable" and that she was let go due to the incident.
Wendy's of Bowling Green, which operates the location, issued a statement asserting that the safety and well-being of employees is their top priority. The company stated that the behavior was inconsistent with their values and that the situation was promptly investigated, with appropriate action taken to maintain a respectful workplace.
Despite no charges being filed, the victim's family has reportedly asked the police to reopen the case. The Daily Mail has reached out to Wendy's, Burton, and the police for comment.