A Tennessee Wendy’s manager has been fired after allegedly tying a neurodivergent employee to kitchen equipment because she reportedly didn’t want to “babysit” him while she worked.

The disturbing incident unfolded at a Wendy’s restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where the unidentified worker was restrained with garbage bags that were attached to a metal kitchen counter, according to video obtained by WSMV.

Co-worker Nicholus Murphy recorded the scene and said he was horrified by what he saw.

“I actually felt sad for him,” Murphy told the station. “I actually wanted to cry.”

Manager Michiko Burton later admitted she tied up the employee, but different explanations reportedly emerged about why she did it.

Murphy said Burton told workers she wanted the employee to “stay put” because she did not want to “babysit him” while handling other duties in the back of the restaurant.

“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.

But when police questioned Burton, she reportedly gave another explanation.

She allegedly claimed the incident was part of a “TikTok trend,” was meant as a joke and that the employee agreed to participate.

Murphy wasn’t buying it.

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

Murphy eventually showed the video to supervisors, prompting a meeting with franchise officials.

An area manager made it clear the company considered the behavior completely unacceptable.

“Whether it be a cruel joke or intended, I don’t care,” the manager said during a staff meeting that Murphy recorded.

“Whatever went on a couple of Sundays ago is unacceptable. Flat out. With anybody, it’s unacceptable.”

Burton was fired over the incident.

“That is why Michi is not here anymore,” the area manager told employees. “Michi is no longer a manager for us.”

Police initially did not arrest or charge Burton because the employee who had been tied up reportedly said he was not injured or upset by what happened.

However, authorities later reopened the investigation.

Police interviewed Murphy, the area manager and the employee who was restrained as they sought additional information about the incident on Friday, according to WSMV.

The case has also raised concerns because neurodivergent workers can include people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurological differences.

Qualified workers with disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The independently owned Wendy’s location opened in 2025.

The franchise condemned Burton’s actions and said employee safety remains a top priority.

“The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority,” Wendy’s of Bowling Green said in a statement to 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.”

The company added that it remains committed to maintaining a workplace where employees are treated “with dignity and respect.”