Michiko Burton, Wendy’s manager at Murfreesboro, Tennessee outlet arrested tying up neurodivergent worker to grill, insists incident was social media trend while co-workers allege incident, captured on video was done because teen boss didn’t want to ‘baby-sit’ learning afflicted worker.
A teen Wendy’s manager accused of tying a worker with learning challenges to a grill at a Tennessee outlet has alleged doing so because it was a ‘social media trend’.
Michiko Burton, 19, was charged with simple assault and false imprisonment, misdemeanor charges, on Sept. 17, after tying her victim earlier that month, according to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD).
Teen Wendy’s worker ties fast food worker with developmental challenges to grill
Of note, authorities stated the victim being neurodivergent, that is, an individual whose brain process, learns or functions differently from societal norms.
Reviewed footage shows a neurodivergent employee tied by the ankles to kitchen equipment with trash bags.
On Sept. 6, MPD officers spoke with Burton, who is said to have told authorities that the incident was ‘part of a TikTok trend‘ and allegedly confessed to tying the employee to the grill at the Wendy’s located on South Church Street on Aug. 30, police said.
Fellow Wendy’s workers insist episode was not TikTok video capturing trend
‘The incident was referred to Adult Protective Services and investigated by detectives with the Special Victims Unit,’ MPD said. ‘The investigation led to warrants being obtained for Burton’s arrest.’
Burton was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $2,000 bond and has since posted bond. Her next court date is set for Oct. 22 in General Sessions Court.
Nicholus Murphy, a fellow Wendy’s worker, who recorded video of the incident told police told WKRN that the the stunt was not part of a TikTok trend, disputing Burton’s alleged claims to police.
‘No, it’s not true. It is my video. So, I mean, it’s my video and there was no TikTok video at all,’ Murphy told the outlet.
Victim left rattled, humiliated and traumatized
According to a Facebook post, Burton is alleged to have told employees she ‘didn’t want to babysit him’ the victim and needed him to ‘stay put’ while she handled other work. The post further claimed that the episode was intended as a joke, and that the employee was okay with participating.
‘This has been an awful traumatic event,’ Isaac Kimes, an attorney for the family of the neurodivergent employee, told WSMV. ‘The young man in the video seen now by millions is not doing well.’
Stated Wendy’s in a release: ‘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.’
Of note, Burton is no longer employed by the fast food restaurant.
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