Harassed Red Baron worker thanks supporters as fundraiser clears $500K

Walt Z of Michigan, a Red Baron grocery stocker who went viral after he accosted a streamer who harassed him, has issued a statement of thanks after a fundraiser on his behalf cleared $500,000.The viral video attracted tens of millions of views and showed a streamer asking Walt for the time while he stocked Red Baron pizzas in a grocery store freezer. The streamer then claimed to have stolen money from Walt, prompting him to grow frustrated and accost the streamer. Walt proceeded to explain the stress of his day and financial woes from supporting his family.
While the video had been framed as a joke at his expense, it led to an outpouring of sympathy for him and a GoFundMe ultimately raised $502,667 for him as of press time. In a statement on the fundraising page, Walt expressed his thanks.
“I wanted to take a moment to personally thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, or left a kind message. The kindness and encouragement you’ve shown me and my family have meant more than I can put into words,” he posted. “My family and I are doing well, and I’m grateful to have supportive people around me. I’ve been keeping things private to protect my family’s privacy, and I appreciate everyone respecting that. I’ve also received a lot of interview requests. Being in the spotlight isn’t something I would normally seek out, but I’m considering sharing my story. Before making that decision, I want to make sure it’s with people who will treat me and my family with care and respect our privacy.”
“Please know that even if I haven’t responded to your message or comment, your support has made a difference. From me and my family, thank you,” he concluded.
Red Baron Pizza also appeared to support their employee and assuaged concerns that he could be fired for losing his temper.
“He’s still here. He’s got a fan club.Including us,” the official Red Baron Pizza account posted. Accompanying the post was an image stating that “Employee of the month nominations are closed. You know why.”
Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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