World

Year of free nuggets: US teen sets world record for most retweets

#NuggsForCarter

News Desk May 09, 2017

Carter Wilkerson. PHOTO: WENDY'S

A US teen has earned fame after breaking the world record for the most retweeted tweet of all time.

Last month, Carter Wilkerson from Nevada, United States asked American fast-food chain Wendy’s how many retweets he would need for a year’s supply of free nuggets.

HELP ME PLEASE. A MAN NEEDS HIS NUGGS pic.twitter.com/4SrfHmEMo3
— Carter Wilkerson (@carterjwm) April 6, 2017

To his surprise, Wendy’s challenged him to get 18 million retweets. Instead of backing off after being given a mammoth task, Wilkerson confidently replied: “Consider it done” and turned to the Twitterverse for the help saying, “Help me please. A man needs his nuggs”.

18 Million
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) April 6, 2017

This teenager needs 18m retweets for a year's supply of free nuggets

While Wilkerson has not yet reached 18 million, his tweet has so far earned him 3.44 million retweets and 900,000 likes, making it the most retweeted tweet ever.

.@carterjwm is now the most retweeted tweet of all-time. That’s good for the nuggets, and $100k to @DTFA. Consider it done. #nuggsforcarter pic.twitter.com/k6uhsJiP4E
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) May 9, 2017

The last person to set the world record for most retweets was Ellen DeGeneres for the famous Oscar selfie in 2014.

If only Bradley's arm was longer. Best photo ever. #oscars pic.twitter.com/C9U5NOtGap
— The Ellen Show (@EllenDeGeneres) March 3, 2014

Wilkerson received support from global companies, including Apple Music, Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Twitter itself, and celebrities including Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul in achieving this feat.

.@carterjwm is now the most retweeted tweet of all-time. That’s good for the nuggets, and $100k to @DTFA. Consider it done. #nuggsforcarter pic.twitter.com/k6uhsJiP4E
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) May 9, 2017

Acknowledging Wilkerson’s effort, Wendy’s is rewarding the teen with free nuggets and additionally donating $100,000 to charity.

"We didn't expect Carter's response, and we couldn't anticipate the overwhelming support he has received," the BBC quoted a Wendy's spokesperson as saying.