VIDEO: Cinnabon Worker Crystal Wilsey Fired After Viral Video Shows Racist Tirade Toward Somali Customers; GiveSendGo Campaign Surpasses $50,000

A former Cinnabon employee, identified as Crystal Wilsey, has become the center of national controversy after a viral video captured her hurling racist slurs and mocking Somali customers at the Bay Park Square Mall in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. While Cinnabon swiftly fired her, a GiveSendGo fundraiser supporting Wilsey has now raised more than $50,000, sparking intense debate online.

Video Shows Worker Using Racial Slurs, Mocking Hijab

The incident unfolded on December 4, 2025, when Wilsey, described in reports as a white woman in her 30s, engaged in a heated confrontation with a Somali couple attempting to place an order.

A 29-second video recorded by the couple shows Wilsey:

• Mocking the woman’s hijab,

• Repeatedly using the N-word,

• Calling herself “racist”,

• Flipping both middle fingers, and

• Telling the couple to “suck it.”

During the exchange, the male customer warned, “You are fired from this place,” while the woman responded, “You ruin your life.” The video rapidly spread across X and other platforms, drawing widespread condemnation.

Cinnabon Fires Worker, Calls Behavior “Unacceptable”

Cinnabon confirmed Wilsey’s firing shortly after the footage began circulating. Both the franchise owner and corporate leadership released statements denouncing her actions.

Cinnabon spokesperson Sawyer Carlson said:

“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, our franchisees, or the welcoming environment we expect for every guest.”

On X, Cinnabon reiterated:

“We do not condone this behavior. The former employee was immediately terminated.”

GiveSendGo Fundraiser Raises Over $50,000

Despite the backlash, a GiveSendGo campaign launched by supporter Tom Hennessy has gained significant traction. The fundraiser—which describes Wilsey as a “hardworking white mom” and alleges she was “intimidated” by the customers—received tens of thousands of dollars in donations within days.

The campaign claims Cinnabon “betrayed” Wilsey and frames the firing as an example of “cancel culture.” Many online commentators, however, have strongly criticized the fundraiser, arguing that it rewards racist behavior.

Wilsey has not publicly commented since the incident.

Community Reactions Divided

The situation has fueled widespread conversation online:

• Critics say the donations enable and excuse racism.

• Supporters argue Wilsey was provoked and deserves financial support after losing her job.

The sharply divided public response mirrors recent debates around viral incidents, employee conduct, and consequences in the age of social media.