Chili’s says Louisiana employee was fired for…
A former Louisiana Chili’s employee went viral for saying he was fired for refusing to use a coworker’s most popular pronouns, but the restaurant claims the termination stemmed from repeated harassment that violated company coverage, not the employee’s views on gender identification.
The former employee, Wesley Kirk Ford Jr., alleged on social media on Saturday that he misplaced his job after referring to a nonbinary coworker “by her actual legal government name.”
Chili’s disputes that characterization, saying Ford repeatedly mocked and intimidated the coworker despite being requested to stop.
“While we normally do not comment on people-related matters, we believe it is important to clarify the actions taken in this situation,” a spokesperson for Chili’s told Fox News Digital.
“The individual was terminated due to repeated instances of harassment toward his fellow team member, which is in violation of our policies, to the point the team member was unable to continue the shift. The terminated individual was repeatedly asked to stop the harassing behavior, but he refused.”
Former Chili’s employee Wesley Kirk Ford Jr. claims he was fired for refusing to use a nonbinary coworker’s most popular pronouns. Wesley Kirk Ford Jr. / Facebook
The spokesperson added, “Harassment, bullying, or behavior that disrespects another person is not consistent with our values and is not tolerated. As always, our focus remains on supporting our team members, caring for our Guests, and maintaining a respectful environment for everyone who works or dines with us.”
In a Saturday post on Facebook, Ford wrote, “I just got fired from Chilis in Denham Springs for calling a nonbinary coworker by her actual legal government name lolol. I now need to find a new job.”
Ford added, “I also need to find a first amendment/civil rights attorney. I will post more details on exactly what happened after I wind down some because I’m fired up right now lolol.”
Ford shared a video on social media of his termination assembly with his Chili’s supervisor. Wesley Kirk Ford Jr. / Facebook
In a video posted Saturday, Ford said he was fired for refusing to call the coworker not by her title, but by her “chosen name,” which he said was “Fish.”
He said he’d never been fired or even disciplined at any job before.
“I’m not participating in that s— anymore,” Ford said in the video. “Like, I don’t care. I don’t care, I put my foot down. And I’m just not, I’m not participating in it.”
Chili’s disputes Ford’s claims, saying he was fired for “repeated instances of harassment” toward a coworker. Tada Images – stock.adobe.com
Chili’s, however, maintained that Ford was committing harassing conduct.
“In this instance, the terminated team member excessively and unnecessarily mocked the other team member in an antagonizing manner to harass and intimidate,” the spokesperson said.
“This conduct was intentional, targeted, and designed to provoke a reaction. These repeated bullying actions created a hostile working environment and interfered with the ability to do their job.”
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