A merchandise display security tether includes a mounting base, a releasable adhesive for releasably attaching the mounting base to an article of merchandise, and a housing configured to be positioned over the mounting base and a releasing portion of the releasable adhesive. The housing is secured to the mounting base by a tamper-proof fastener to prevent access to the releasing portion of the releasable adhesive. The security tether further includes a security cable having a first end attached to the housing and a second end for attachment to a merchandise display. The housing is removable by a special tool to expose the releasing portion of the releasable adhesive. The releasing portion is pulled to release the mounting base and the article of merchandise without damage to the merchandise and without leaving an adhesive residue on the merchandise.