Cinnabon has responded after a video went viral showing a Wisconsin employee shouting racist slurs at customers in Ashwaubenon, a suburb of Green Bay. The company described the footage as “disturbing” and confirmed that the employee involved has been fired.
The video, shared on social media, shows a woman and her husband encountering the employee at the Cinnabon on Friday. The couple, described in an online fundraiser as a Black Somali Muslim pair, said the employee directed racist remarks and threats toward them. According to the woman, the encounter began when she asked if the caramel was running low. The employee then made derogatory comments about her hijab, calling it a “witchcraft bandana,” prompting her to start recording.
In the footage, the employee can be heard repeatedly using the n-word and other racial slurs. At one point, they say, “I am a racist,” while also threatening to throw water on the couple. The full context of the interaction is not visible in the video, but the impact on the couple was clear.
“I am traumatized and afraid to be outside now…. the racism is getting out of hand nowadays,” the woman wrote in the caption accompanying the video. Her post quickly drew attention online, prompting widespread outrage.
In response to the incident, Cinnabon released a statement over the weekend. “We’ve seen the disturbing video from the Cinnabon bakery in Ashwaubenon, WI, and we do not condone this behavior. The former employee was immediately terminated by the franchise owner,” the company said. “Their actions do not reflect our values or the welcoming experience every guest deserves.”
The statement emphasized that Cinnabon values inclusivity and aims to provide a safe and respectful environment for all guests. The company’s action to fire the employee came after public scrutiny and social media sharing of the incident.
The video also sparked separate online fundraisers. While some were established to support the couple affected by the incident, others aimed to benefit the employee. As of Monday, one fundraiser for the employee reportedly raised more than $100,000, drawing further attention to the situation.
Local residents and social media users quickly voiced their reactions. Many condemned the employee’s actions and praised Cinnabon for taking swift action. Others expressed concern about the rise of racially motivated incidents in public spaces and the lasting emotional impact on victims.
The couple’s experience highlights ongoing challenges for minority communities in Wisconsin and across the United States. Public incidents of racism, especially when shared online, serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and community support.
Cinnabon’s swift termination of the employee aligns with corporate policies to maintain safe, welcoming environments. Franchise owners have a responsibility to ensure staff understand and uphold these standards. Incidents like this can harm both the company’s reputation and the well-being of customers.
Online fundraising campaigns, social media reactions, and local reporting show how quickly incidents of racism can gain national attention. The Ashwaubenon incident is part of a broader conversation about workplace behavior, public safety, and inclusion in businesses across the country.
While the employee responsible is no longer employed by Cinnabon, the incident continues to resonate online. Many hope it will serve as a reminder to businesses to reinforce training on diversity, inclusion, and respectful treatment of all customers. For the couple affected, public support and visibility have provided some comfort after a frightening experience.
Cinnabon’s statement and swift response aim to restore trust with the community and show that such behavior will not be tolerated. As the story spreads, it highlights the need for vigilance and action against racism in public spaces.
