A viral video shows a Red Baron employee being harassed by an influencer in a grocery store. The employee, identified as Walt Z from Michigan, was stocking frozen pizzas when the influencer approached him and staged a fake Apple Pay theft. The employee became visibly frustrated and told the influencer that he couldn't pay his mortgage and had four kids at home.
The incident occurred in August, according to Red Baron's parent company, Schwan's Company. The video was posted online and sparked a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, which raised over $300,000 for Walt Z. The campaign was started by Luke Oakenshield, who stated that he didn't know the employee personally but wanted to help him avoid financial instability if the company disciplined or fired him.
Red Baron's parent company confirmed that the employee is still working for the company and has been offered support. Walt Z has requested privacy as he navigates the viral attention. The company has stated that they are standing by their employee and that he remains a valued member of their team.