Controversy at Cinnabon: Employee Fired for Racist Comments Sparks Fundraising Campaigns
A Cinnabon employee in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, was fired for making racist comments in a viral video. The video showed the worker shouting and using racial slurs towards a couple. The employee, identified as Crystal Wilsey, admitted to being racist in the video before being terminated by the franchise owner. Cinnabon responded to the incident, stating that the worker's actions were unacceptable and did not reflect the company's values.
An online fundraising campaign was created to support the customers, described as a black Somali Muslim couple, who were reportedly traumatized by the incident. The dispute began over a caramel pecan cinnamon roll order. In contrast, a counter campaign supporting the fired worker has raised $100,000.
Cinnabon is a popular chain known for its cinnamon rolls, typically located in high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and rest stops. The company emphasized that the behavior of the terminated employee was not in line with the welcoming environment they strive to maintain for guests and team members.
In conclusion, the incident involving the Cinnabon worker's racist comments led to her termination and sparked online fundraising campaigns in support of both the customers and the fired employee. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for all guests and employees.