Chili’s says fired worker harassed coworker in pronoun dispute

A Louisiana Chili’s employee who says he was fired for refusing to call a coworker by her chosen name and preferred pronouns is disputing the company’s account of his termination, which cites repeated harassment rather than his views on gender identity.

Wesley Kirk Ford Jr. wrote on Facebook Saturday that he lost his job at a Chili’s location in Denham Springs, Louisiana, after calling a nonbinary coworker “by her actual legal government name,” according to Fox News Digital. In a video of the termination, Mr. Ford said the company asked him to instead use his coworker’s chosen name.

Chili’s rejected Mr. Ford’s characterization of the firing. A spokesperson for the restaurant chain told Fox News Digital the employee “was terminated due to repeated instances of harassment toward his fellow team member.” The company said Mr. Ford had been asked multiple times to stop the behavior before he was let go.

“Harassment, bullying, or behavior that disrespects another person is not consistent with our values and is not tolerated,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company’s focus remains on supporting its staff and maintaining a respectful workplace.

Mr. Ford, in comments reported by PJ Media, said he had never before been disciplined at any job and framed the firing as a matter of principle rather than workplace conduct. He said he plans to seek out a First Amendment or civil rights attorney to explore his legal options.

The dispute has drawn wide attention online, with the video of Mr. Ford’s termination circulating widely on social media over the weekend. Chili’s said it does not typically comment on personnel matters but felt it necessary to clarify the circumstances given the public attention the case has received.