A video showing a Red Baron pizza worker being targeted by a prankster has spread widely online, prompting an outpouring of support for the employee. The company has also said it stands behind him.
The worker, identified in a GoFundMe campaign as Walt Z., was stocking frozen pizzas at a Meijer store in White Lake, Michigan, when the incident happened, according to reports.
In the video, the prankster approaches Walt and asks him for the time. As Walt pulls out his phone, the person plays a sound like an Apple Pay transaction and claims to have taken $10 from him, then says he should buy something with it.
Walt says he plans to report the prankster. He grows more upset as the person insists it was only a joke.
“My life is hard enough as it is,” Walt says.
He explains that he is already an hour late getting home, that his children have gone to bed without him, and that he has to be up at 5 a.m. for work. He also says he is struggling to pay his mortgage.
“I don’t need this in my life,” he says as others try to intervene.
The video drew widespread criticism of the prankster, while many people praised Walt for standing up for himself. One social media user wrote that workers like him are “grinding through the shift nobody sees,” adding that making one of them a punchline “isn’t edgy. It’s lazy.” Another commenter wrote, “God bless the working man.”
As of Saturday, Oct. 31, a GoFundMe campaign for Walt had raised more than $679,000 from over 19,000 donations. The fundraiser says the money will go directly to him.
Red Baron also voiced support for its employee in a post on X, writing, “He’s still here. He’s got a fan club. Including us.” The post included a graphic saying that “employee of the month nominations are closed. You know why,” hinting that Walt could receive the recognition.
The company said the incident happened in August and involved a member of its Direct Store Delivery team. It said it had checked on Walt’s well-being, continues to support him and is working with retail partners to help ensure a safe, respectful workplace.
After some online users expressed concern that Walt might lose his job because of his response, the company said he was doing well and remained a valued member of the team. Red Baron added that Walt appreciates the support but has asked for privacy.
In an update to the fundraiser, Walt thanked people who donated, shared the campaign or sent messages. He said he and his family are doing well and asked that their privacy be respected.
“The kindness and encouragement you’ve shown me and my family have meant more than I can put into words,” he wrote.
