Wendy’s employee accused of tying neurodivergent worker to kitchen equipment

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - The family of a neurodivergent Wendy’s employee is asking Tennessee police to reopen an investigation after a video showed the worker tied to kitchen equipment.

The video was recorded inside the Wendy’s on South Church Street in Murfreesboro.

Nicholus Murphy, a co-worker, said he recorded the video after seeing trash bags used to tie the employee to equipment in the kitchen.

“I actually felt sad for him,” Murphy said. “I actually wanted to cry.”

According to a Murfreesboro police report, the employee was tied up by manager Michiko Burton.

Murphy said Burton told workers she needed the employee to “stay put” so she could do other work in the back of the restaurant.

Burton told police the incident was a TikTok trend and intended as a joke, according to the report. Murphy and the employee’s family disputed that explanation.

“If there was a TikTok trend, then where’s the TikTok?” Murphy said.

Murfreesboro police interviewed the employee, who told officers he was not upset and was not injured. No charges were filed.

In a recorded meeting with staff, an area manager called the incident “unacceptable” and said Burton was no longer a manager at the restaurant.

The Wendy’s general manager also confirmed that a manager was fired because of the incident.

The employee’s family said they want Murfreesboro police to reopen the investigation.

WSMV4 Investigates attempted to contact Burton by phone and social media but has not received a response.

In a statement from Wendy’s of Bowling Green, the franchisee that owns and operates this restaurant, reads, “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.”