Cinnabon Employee Fired After Racist Comments Caught on Video

A recent incident at a Cinnabon location in Wisconsin has drawn significant attention due to racist comments made by an employee caught on video. The situation has highlighted ongoing tensions around immigration and race in the U.S.

Cinnabon Employee Fired After Racist Comments

The employee, whose comments were recorded by a TikTok user named Sabrina Osman, worked at the Bay Park Mall in Ashwaubenon, located near Green Bay. The incident occurred on December 5, when Osman’s cousin, Farhia Ahmed, and her brother-in-law visited the cinnamon roll stand.

According to Osman, the employee displayed an unfriendly demeanor immediately upon their arrival. When Ahmed requested extra caramel on her cinnamon pecan roll, the staff member made a derogatory remark regarding Ahmed’s hijab. This prompted Ahmed to record the exchange.

Content of the Video

The clip, which has been reviewed by media outlets, features the employee declaring, “I am a racist,” and using a racial slur. She also displayed two middle fingers to the camera. Osman expressed concern for Ahmed, noting that she has since felt traumatized and anxious.

Cinnabon’s Response

• Cinnabon called the employee’s behavior “disturbing.”
• The company confirmed that the staff member was “immediately terminated” by the franchise owner.
• Cinnabon emphasized that the employee’s actions do not reflect the company’s values or the welcoming atmosphere it strives to maintain.

Context of Rising Anti-Somali Sentiments

This incident aligns with broader anti-Somali sentiments following a speech by President Donald Trump on December 2. During a cabinet meeting, Trump referred to Somali immigrants in Minnesota as “garbage,” expressing a desire to limit their presence in the country.

These remarks came amid accusations that Somali individuals had committed fraud against Minnesota’s relief programs, including those designated for COVID-19 assistance. Trump’s comments have spurred backlash from organizations advocating for the Somali community.

Community Reactions

• The Islamic Society of Milwaukee condemned Trump’s remarks as “dangerous and dehumanizing.”
• The Council on American-Islamic Relations welcomed the firing of the Cinnabon employee, highlighting the implications of her actions.

Organizations call for political leaders to address the normalization of racism against Black and Somali Americans. They stress the importance of combating hate speech, especially from public figures.

Concerns about immigration policy have also escalated; Trump has threatened to end the Temporary Protected Status for Somali refugees in Minnesota. Additionally, immigration applications from Somalia and several other countries have been halted by U.S. authorities.

The incident at Cinnabon serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues of racism and discrimination present in society today.