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Starbucks under fire after barista refuses to write Charlie Kirk's name on coffee cup: ‘I’m done with…’
The barista, in her defense, is understood to have cited company policy against “political names.” Here is how Starbucks responded to the viral video.
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A Starbucks barista is facing severe backlash after allegedly refusing to write Charlie Kirk's name on a coffee cup. The barista, in her defense, is understood to have cited company policy against “political names.” According to Fox News, the now-viral incident took place at a Starbucks in Yucaipa, California.
The report claimed that a TikToker recorded two videos. The first one showed that her husband went to order the drink, and the barista told him that he had to “pick a different name” because they don't “honor politics here.”The report further revealed that she paid a visit to the same Starbucks and ordered the drink with Kirk's name. “We can't do political names, but it didn't even ask for a name to begin with, so it will be $3.75, OK,” the barista was quoted as saying by the Fox News article.
What really happened?
Here’s how the conversation went, according to Fox News. The Barista said, "I could, but I could write Charlie.” She added that the sticker with the name Charlie Kirk would not print. When pressed by the TikToker to write the name, the barista refused to do so, saying that it was “political.” To which, the customer replied, “Forget it, I don't want it.”
Also read: What’s Next in the Case of Charlie Kirk’s Suspected Killer?
Starbucks responds
The incident triggered a huge social media storm, and many even called for a boycott of the coffee chain. Reacting to the incident, Starbucks shared a statement, which read, “There are no restrictions on customers using Charlie Kirk’s name on their order, and we are following up with our team.”
Fox News Digital claimed that it reached out to Starbucks for a response on this issue. The company confirmed to the outlet that there is no policy stopping Kirk's name from being used. A spokesperson said Starbucks is “working to understand what took place in this store.”
Also read: ‘National Charlie Kirk Day’? GOP lawmakers submit proposal to honor TPUSA founder
Social media reacts
Reacting to the now-viral video, one X user commented, “That's it!! Boycott Starbucks! The line has been drawn! There is no going back.”
“I spend $200 a month at Starbucks! No more, I’m done with a company that dishonors a good man,” read a reply shared on X.
Another person wrote, “They shouldn't consider it political unless he held a government office/position/seat. If they are only basing it on him being a republican, then all Republicans need to boycott Starbucks.”
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at a university event in Utah when he was shot dead on Wednesday. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested on suspicion of killing Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump.
FAQs:
Why is Starbucks facing backlash?
Social media users slammed Starbucks after one of its baristas allegedly refused to write Charlie Kirk's name on a coffee cup.
Who is Tyler Robinson?
22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been arrested on suspicion of killing Charlie Kirk.
