Fired Weeks After Going Viral
Weeks after gaining attention online for managing a Burger King restaurant entirely on her own, 25-year-old Nykia Hamilton revealed on TikTok that she had been dismissed from her position.
She said the termination was attributed to attendance issues, which she linked to the challenges of caring for her three children.
“Bruh, [Burger King] fired me because I’ve been late because of my kids,” Hamilton said in the video.
She added that the constant struggle to balance her role as a mother with the demands of her job left her mentally and emotionally drained.
Her dismissal came only weeks after she had drawn national attention for her work conditions.
What Earlier Reports Showed
Hamilton’s story first surfaced after a diner captured footage of her operating the Broad River Road Burger King in West Columbia, South Carolina
The footage, which spread widely online, showed her moving between the grill, the drive-thru, the front counter, food preparation, and cleaning during a shift that lasted more than 12 hours.
She later explained that the situation took a significant emotional toll, often forcing her to choose between earning an income and spending time with her children.
“I be missing out on my kids’ lives when I work so much,” Hamilton said, according to WACH News. “I have to provide for them, but I really don’t have time to spend with them—and it hurts me a lot.”
Burger King’s Response
Following the spread of the video, Burger King released a statement stating that its restaurants are required to have more than one team member working per shift.
The company added that it was working with the franchisee of Hamilton’s location to review why that policy had not been followed and to take any necessary action.
In a recent update, Burger King confirmed to the New York Post that Hamilton was no longer employed at the franchise.
Fundraiser Update
Hamilton’s story prompted an outpouring of support. With encouragement from supporters, she launched a GoFundMe campaign.
As of late August, the fundraiser had raised $131,214, representing 87% of her $150,000 goal, according to her GoFundMe page.
Watch the videos here:
@kianolabel The devil won i don’t care no more I can’t do this no more just leave me alone #burgerkingmom #fyp #fyp #singlemomof3
@dejlatae #columbiasc #bk #foryoupage #tiktok #food #burgerking #burger
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Employee in China Fired for Napping Wins Over SGD 65,000 in Wrongful Termination Case
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
