A Red Baron worker who was ridiculed by an influencer in a viral prank video has shared an emotional message of thanks after supporters raised more than $600,000 for him.
Walt Z was stocking shelves at a Michigan grocery store when he became the target of a cruel online prank. The footage was originally uploaded in August to a page that has since been deleted, but recently resurfaced and spread rapidly across social media.
In the clip, a streamer walked up to Walt and asked what time it was. When Walt took out his phone to check, the person filming played the Apple Pay notification sound on his own device, pretending he had taken money from the worker.
The father of four initially kept his composure and asked the prankster to leave him alone. As the confrontation continued, however, Walt explained that the stunt was not funny to him. He said he worked hard to support his family and simply wanted to finish his shift and go home.
The resurfaced video prompted widespread outrage, while thousands of viewers responded by showing their support financially.
Luke Oakenshield, one viewer who was deeply affected by the encounter, launched a GoFundMe campaign on Tuesday. The fundraiser states that donations will go directly to Walt.
By Friday evening, the GoFundMe had collected more than $585,000 for Walt. A separate GiveSendGo fundraiser had also received more than $14,200, bringing the total public support to over $600,000.
Walt later posted a heartfelt message on GoFundMe, writing: “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.”
Walt Z, the Red Baron employee targeted in a cruel online prank, has thanked the public after receiving an outpouring of support
More than $585,000 had been raised for Walt on GoFundMe by Friday evening, while a separate GiveSendGo campaign had collected over $14,200
“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.”
After the influencer pretended to take money from him, Walt warned the person behind the camera: “Don’t mess with me right now.”
Despite Walt’s request, the person filming continued to taunt him in an apparent attempt to provoke a stronger reaction.
When Walt became visibly upset, the prankster told him to calm down and insisted that it was “just a joke.”
Walt rejected that explanation, saying: “It’s not a joke to me… My life is hard enough as it is.” His voice began to shake as he added: “I got kids at home that went to bed without me. I was supposed to be at home an hour ago, and I’m still out here working!”
EXPLORE MORE: Broadcaster Emma Willis Scandal And Controversy Explained – NewsFinale
He then raised his voice and said: “And I gotta get up at five in the morning and do 10 more stores! So this is not a joke to me!”
The father-of-four initially responded calmly, telling the prankster to leave him alone, but as the moment carried on, Walt told the streamer that it wasn’t a joke to him because he works hard to provide for his family and that he just wanted to get home to them
‘And now I’m probably gonna get kicked out of the store because of you,’ he then said before the person recording replied: ‘Okay, I’m sorry.’
‘No, you’re not sorry because you’ve got a smug look on your face,’ Walt said. ‘You’re probably making money off this! I can’t even pay my goddamn mortgage, and I got four kids at home!’
People online overwhelmingly responded with sympathy for the hardworking father and called out the prankster, with many calling him a ‘wannabe influencer’ and a ‘punk.’
Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for Governor of Ohio, also shared his support for Walt.
He and his wife, Apoorva, donated a whopping $38,000 to the GoFundMe, and Vivek posted a video on X about him standing with the employee.
‘Hey Walt, I just want to tell you, we got your back. You’re brave and you speak for millions of Americans across this country, including in my home state of Ohio.
‘In your honor, we’ve got Red Barron pizza on our bus tour today. This one’s for you Walt, we got your back,’ the politician said as he held up frozen pizzas.
A spokesperson for Red Baron’s parent company, CJ Schwan’s, told the New York Post: ‘We are aware of the video circulating on social media involving one of our Direct Store Delivery employees during an incident that occurred in August.
‘Following the incident, we connected directly with our team member to check on his well-being, and we continue to offer our support. We are pleased to share that he is doing well and remains a valued member of our team.’
DISCOVER MORE: Clancy Father Targeted in Alleged Wiretap as Medical Lawsuits Signal Strategy Split, Police Say