A Cinnabon employee in Wisconsin has been fired after a viral video showed her using racial slurs and making offensive gestures towards customers. The incident occurred at a franchise in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, where the employee was filmed calling customers the n-word, declaring 'I am racist,' and telling them to 'suck it.'
The targeted customers are of Somali descent, according to local reports. The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the employee repeatedly using abusive language and flipping her middle fingers at the customers. One customer can be heard saying, 'You’re ruining your life, by the way.'
Cinnabon confirmed the employee's termination in a statement, saying, 'The individual seen in the video was immediately terminated by the franchise owner. Their actions and statements are completely unacceptable and in no way reflect the values of Cinnabon.' The company also posted a similar statement on X, formerly Twitter.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over President Donald Trump's anti-Somali rhetoric. At a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump said he does not want Somali immigrants in the country, claiming they 'contribute nothing.' He also attacked Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia, calling her 'garbage.'
Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched an operation in Minneapolis, primarily targeting Somali immigrants. At least a dozen people have been arrested, including five from Somalia. The operation has caused concern even among US citizens of Somali descent, with some reportedly worried about proving their citizenship.
