A Wendy's manager in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was fired after she allegedly tied a neurodivergent employee to kitchen equipment using garbage bags. The incident occurred when the manager, identified as Michiko Burton, stated she did not want to "babysit" the employee while attending to other duties.

A co-worker, Nicholus Murphy, captured footage of the incident and shared it with his supervisors. Murphy told WSMV that Burton initially claimed she needed the employee to "stay put" to avoid interfering with her work. However, when speaking with police, Burton reportedly stated she was participating in a "TikTok trend" and that the act was intended as a joke, with the employee being "okay" with it. Murphy questioned the validity of the TikTok trend claim.

Franchise officials addressed the incident in a staff meeting recorded by Murphy. An area manager stated that the conduct was "unacceptable" regardless of intent and confirmed Burton's termination.

"Whether it be a cruel joke or intended, I don’t care," the area manager said. "Whatever went on a couple of Sundays ago is unacceptable. Flat out. With anybody, it’s unacceptable."

Burton was not charged or arrested, as the employee reportedly stated he was not upset or injured by the event. The independently owned Wendy's location issued a statement condemning the manager's actions.

"The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority," Wendy’s of Bowling Green told WSMV. "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."

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that encompasses conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, affecting approximately 20 percent of the global population, according to the Neurodiversity Directory. In the United States, the World Economic Forum reported that an estimated 85% of autistic adults are unemployed, compared to 4.2% of the general population.

Qualified neurodivergent employees are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Police reopened the investigation into the incident and interviewed Murphy, the area manager, and the employee involved. The Wendy's location in question opened in 2025.