A Wendy’s manager in Tennessee has been dismissed after she was accused of restraining a neurodivergent employee to kitchen equipment because she reportedly did not want to “babysit” him while handling other responsibilities.
The employee, whose name has not been released, was allegedly secured to a metal counter with what appeared to be garbage bags inside a Wendy’s restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tenn., according to video obtained by WSMV.
“I actually felt sad for him,” co-worker Nicholus Murphy, who filmed the disturbing scene, told the station. “I actually wanted to cry.”
The manager, identified as Michiko Burton, acknowledged that she tied up the worker, though her explanation for what happened reportedly shifted.
According to employees, Burton initially said the restraint was meant to keep the worker from getting in the way during the shift.
“She said that she didn’t want to babysit him, and that she needed him to ‘stay put’ so she could do whatever she was doing in the back,” Murphy said.
Burton, who was later fired over the incident, allegedly told police it was part of a “TikTok trend,” described it as a joke, and claimed the employee had agreed to participate.
Murphy questioned that account in his interview with the outlet, asking, “If there was a TikTok trend, then where’s the TikTok?”
After recording the video, Murphy brought it to the attention of supervisors, prompting a meeting between staff members and franchise leadership.
“Whether it be a cruel joke or intended, I don’t care,” an area manager said during the staff meeting, which Murphy also recorded.
“Whatever went on a couple of Sundays ago is unacceptable,” the area manager continued. “Flat out. With anybody, it’s unacceptable.”
Burton was not charged or arrested after the worker said he was not upset or injured from being tied up.
“It’s unacceptable for anybody,” the area manager told workers. “That is why Michi is not here anymore. Michi is no longer a manager for us.”
About 20 percent of the world’s population is neurodivergent, with the designation being used as an umbrella term encompassing ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, among others, according to the Neurodiversity Directory.
“In the United States, an estimated 85% of autistic adults are unemployed, compared with 4.2% of the overall population,” the World Economic Forum found.
Any qualified neurodivergent employee is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Police reopened the investigation and interviewed Murphy, the area manager and the employee who was tied up, looking for more information on the incident Friday, the outlet reported.
The independently owned location opened its doors in 2025.
Store officials condemned Burton’s act.
“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.”
