Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan has blamed “misrepresentation” of the company’s views for vandalism at its stores amid protests linked to the Israel-Gaza war. In a letter to staff posted on the firm’s website, he condemned violence and hate but did not explicitly mention the Middle East.
The coffee giant has faced boycott campaigns and protests after its US union posted a message expressing solidarity with Palestine following the 7 October Hamas attack. Starbucks sued the union for trademark infringement, saying the use of its logo caused confusion and harmed safety.
Narasimhan noted that cities worldwide, including in North America, have seen escalating protests and that many stores experienced vandalism. He said protestors were influenced by social media misrepresentation of the company’s stance, which it has described as condemning violence in the region.
The controversy has been compounded by an ongoing union dispute in the US, where Workers United staged a walkout in late November. The union has accused Starbucks of retaliating against pro-union workers, a claim the company denies.
Analysts attribute a recent 7% drop in Starbucks’ share price to wider economic factors rather than the boycotts. The company has since re-approached the union for talks, signalling a shift in tone.
