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The Red Baron employee in the viral TikTok prank video gone wrong is speaking out.
On Wednesday, a video went viral online showing a younger man trying to pull an Apple Pay prank on a Red Baron worker at a Michigan grocery store.
The TikToker claimed he had taken money from the worker, who then immediately flipped out on the prankster.
“It’s not a joke to me… My life is hard as it is, I don’t need this crap! I have four kids at home… I was supposed to be home an hour ago, and I’m still out here working!”
This is the end of prank culture on the internet?
The Red Baron employee video should be a wake-up call
Real people have real emotions and they shouldn’t have to become content just so someone can get views https://t.co/wFNnVuEA88
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 29, 2026
After the video went viral, someone started a GoFundMe for the Red Baron worker.
Via GoFundMe
“This fundraiser is about standing up for a working person who is busting their butt and should not have to fear losing stability because someone wanted content and clicks. If you can, please donate and share to help push back against rage-bait harassment and show this worker that people care.”
The GoFundMe has now reached $500k, and the man in the video is speaking.
“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.”
“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.”
NEW: ‘Walt Z,’ the Red Baron worker who was harassed by an influencer, personally thanks everyone who has donated to him as his GoFundMe closes in on $500,000.
Walt Z says he is considering sharing his story but wants privacy for his family.
“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 said on the now-viral GoFundMe.
Great work, internet.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 30, 2026