Ellen Degeneres Won't Hand Her Twitter Crown to the 16-Year-Old Nugget Lover Without a Fight All the kid wanted was a year of free chicken nuggets. Now he's got a rivalry.
By Rose Leadem
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
What began as a silly challenge between Wendy's and chicken nugget-loving fan Carter Wilkerson has spiraled into a full-blown Twitter rivalry -- not to mention media frenzy.
Regular people to celebrities to brands are following the Twitter marathon, because it's no longer just about the nuggets. With 2.8 million retweets, Wilkerson is on his way to having the most retweeted post of all time … and the current record holder is not happy about that.
Related: What You Can Learn From Wendy's Sassy Social Media Challenge
The current crown belongs to the gracious and hilarious Ellen DeGeneres, whose 2014 Oscars selfie garnered more than 3.3 million retweets. Although DeGeneres wants Wilkerson to get his year's worth of nuggets, she's become sour about losing her record-breaking title.
However, DeGeneres is willing to compromise with a very Ellen-esque solution. "I challenge everyone who retweets Carter's tweet to also retweet my Oscars selfie," DeGeneres said. "That way I retain my title, and he can reach his goal."
Not today, nugget boy. @carterjwm pic.twitter.com/UqLDEMp6OQ
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 13, 2017
If she gets her way, Degeneres can selfishly keep her title and help someone else achieve their dream. She'll also throw in a flat screen TV and a year's worth of Ellen-branded underwear, if he (and she) reach 18 million retweets.
Sorry Ellen, but it won't be easy: Wendy's has added another incentive to the win, promising to donate $100,000 to charity.
@TheEllenShow .@TheEllenShow GAME ON. But this nugg has a new goal @Wendys will give $100k 4 adopted kids w/ @DTFA when I beat you. Hold onto your undies.
— Carter Wilkerson (@carterjwm) April 13, 2017
