A Detroit McDonald’s worker has been fired after a video of him luring a homeless man with the promise of free food and then throwing water in his face went viral.
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The homeless man has been identified as Willie Payne Jr.
In the video that was widely shared on social media, the drive-thru employee can be seen tempting the homeless man with the promise of a free sandwich. But when the homeless man approaches the window for the sandwich, the worker pulls it back, and throws a cup of water in his face.
The Detroit Free Press is reporting McDonald’s franchisee Wise Finley confirmed in a statement today that the employee was terminated.
“I am very disturbed by the inappropriate behavior of this employee. This type of behavior is not tolerated in my organization. I expect my employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and this was unacceptable. This individual no longer works for my organization.”
In the video below, Willie Payne Jr., 63, who had the water thrown on him, talked with 7 Action News.
“I just walked away. Just made me a little upset and everything. You know, I barely have a little change to buy the things that I need. And (I was) thinking he was going to give me something, but he didn’t,” Payne told Action News.
A Go Fund Me Account has been set up for Willy. https://www.gofundme.com/forwilly