Braden Burson, Barista Behind Viral Unicorn Frappuccino Rant, Will Not Be Fired: Report

It’s been one heck of a week for Starbucks baristas nationwide following the Wednesday release of its polarizing Unicorn Frappuccino, a drink that at least one staffer at the International Business Times describes as tasting “like Pepto-Bismol.” Be that as it may, the limited-run (April 19-23) beverage has had loyal patrons and Instagram opportunists flocking to Starbucks counters across the country to get their hands on one.

One Starbucks barista, in particular, Colorado-based Braden Burson, had a message for his social media followers. By Friday, the viral video had well over 1.3 million views. In it, Burson implored his following to refrain from ordering the drink, which he described as incredibly difficult to make in large orders.

Questions quickly arose about whether the rant would result in his firing.

“Please don’t get it! I have never made so many frappuccinos in my entire life,” Burson yelled into the camera. “My hands are completely sticky. I have unicorn crap all in my hair and on my nose. I have never been so stressed out in my entire life. It has been insane!”

Viewers were quick to point out viral videos that reflected poorly on the brand in the past resulted in terminations of some baristas.

“Annnnd he's fired,” wrote one Facebook user. “We all think it. Don't say it. Last guy who wrote a song about being a barista back in 07 or 08, his video went viral and he was immediately fired. Hope it was worth it kid.”

“Hope Starbucks gets ahold of this and fires him for telling customers not to come in and order what they want,” wrote another. “I get that this was supposed to be funny but honestly, no.”

READ: Unicorn Frappuccino Causes Starbucks Employee To Have Epic Meltdown In Viral Video

Yet another user wrote, “Here's a thought, don't be a barista if you can't handle it. Starbucks probably already fired you for this video though, good luck.”

It appears any publicity is good publicity. As TMZ reported Friday, Burson did not face any disciplinary action for the video. According to an unnamed source, “A rep for the company told us the brass is interested in hearing more of Braden's feedback to improve the experience for customers and employees.”

TMZ noted that this — like most viral videos of this nature — may have been a clever viral ad campaign. Though Burson’s original video had been deleted as of Friday.

Either way, the teen still has a job.