Cinnabon Employee Fired After Viral Video Captures Racist Outburst at Somali Customers in Wisconsin Bakery

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — In a shocking display of bigotry that has ignited a firestorm on social media, a Cinnabon worker at a bustling mall kiosk was swiftly terminated Saturday after footage emerged showing her unleashing a torrent of racial slurs and gestures at two Somali customers. The incident, which unfolded at the Bay Park Square Mall location and has racked up nearly 3 million views across platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram, has drawn swift condemnation from the cinnamon roll chain and renewed scrutiny over rising tensions targeting immigrant communities.

The undated video, first shared widely on X and TikTok, depicts a heated exchange behind the counter where the employee, identified by local reports as 43-year-old Crystal Wilsey, mocks the female customer's hijab—derisively calling it a "witch-craft bandana"—before escalating into outright vitriol. As the couple begins recording the confrontation, Wilsey launches into a profane tirade, repeatedly hurling the N-word and declaring, "B**** a*** n*****... I am racist, and you are a n*****." She doubles down, proclaiming, "I am racist and I'll say that to the whole entire world," while flashing both middle fingers at the camera and snarling, "Suck it!"

Eyewitness accounts and the couple's own statements suggest the altercation began innocently enough: The Somali patrons approached the counter to inquire about low caramel stock for their order, only to face what they described as unprovoked harassment during the woman's shift. The customers fired back in the clip, labeling Wilsey an "idiot" and a "motherf*****," while warning her, "You're ruining your life... You are fired from this place." Despite the barrage, Wilsey persisted with derogatory insults until the video cuts off, leaving viewers stunned by the raw hostility on display.

Cinnabon, the beloved franchise known for its gooey treats, wasted no time distancing itself from the scandal. In a statement posted to X and shared with outlets like Newsweek and FOX 11, the company announced: "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. Their actions and statements are completely unacceptable and in no way reflect the values of Cinnabon, our franchisees, or the welcoming environment we expect for every guest and team member." A spokesperson emphasized the brand's commitment to "dignity, respect, and kindness" for all patrons, underscoring that the independently operated location acted decisively upon the video's emergence.

The episode has exploded online, with the moniker "Cinnabon Karen" trending as netizens decry Wilsey's unfiltered racism and meme-ify the fallout—complete with cinnamon roll puns laced with outrage. "This isn't just one bad apple; it's a wake-up call for how hate festers in plain sight," tweeted one user, echoing a chorus of calls for accountability. Advocacy groups, including Green Bay's immigrant resource center, have seized the moment to urge unity amid what they call a "toxic climate" for Somali Americans, who number around 260,000 nationwide, with the largest enclave—about 84,000 strong—in Minnesota's Twin Cities.

Timing couldn't be more charged: The video surfaced just days after President Donald Trump reignited controversy with inflammatory remarks about Somali immigrants, branding them as "garbage" who "contribute nothing" and vowing crackdowns on communities accused of fraud. Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement even launched operations in Minneapolis this week targeting Somali residents, prompting backlash from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who defended the group's contributions and citizenship status—87% of foreign-born Somalis are naturalized, per census data.