Starbucks has issued a statement clarifying its company policy after a barista refused to write Charlie Kirk's name on a customer's cup. The incident, which occurred at a California location, was captured in a viral TikTok video.
In the video, a woman orders Kirk's preferred drink, a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys. When asked for a name, she says 'Charlie Kirk'. The barista responds, 'We can't do political names,' and offers to write just 'Charlie'. The woman declines, and the barista hands the drinks to her husband without using the name.
Starbucks initially stated on Tuesday that there are no restrictions on using Charlie Kirk's name. The following day, the company released a longer statement explaining that while customers may use their own names or other names like Charlie Kirk, the chain has previously asked customers to avoid using political slogans or offensive terms to maintain a welcoming environment.
The company said it is following up with the team involved. The incident comes amid heightened political tensions following the murder of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, on September 10. His alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and is facing the death penalty.
