A Starbucks barista in Los Angeles County has been accused of deliberately drawing a pig on a coffee cup handed to a sheriff's deputy, an act the law enforcement agency calls a demeaning insult.
Details of the Offensive Incident
The alleged event took place on January 9, 2026, at a Starbucks branch in the city of Norwalk, located just south of downtown Los Angeles. The deputy, who was on a 16-hour shift, had stopped for a coffee. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), the beverage was served in a cup marked with an illustration of a pig.
The department later shared an image of the cup on social media, stating the symbol "is commonly used to demean law enforcement." They condemned the drawing as "extremely offensive, inappropriate, and unacceptable."
Deputy's Reaction and Official Response
The deputy involved expressed his dismay in a social media post, saying he felt "discouraged and disrespected" after a long day of serving the community. "All I wanted was caffeine, but instead I left feeling uneasy," he lamented.
Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed his office has contacted Starbucks' corporate headquarters to formally raise concerns and demand accountability. He also personally consoled the deputy, assuring him that "disrespectful actions will not be tolerated against our personnel."
Investigation and Fallout
Starbucks has issued a statement branding the incident "unacceptable." A spokesperson said the company has apologised to the deputy and the Sheriff's Department, and has launched an immediate investigation, promising "swift action." The spokesperson suggested the drawing may have been a misguided reference to the "John Pork" meme, popular on platforms like TikTok, but stressed it was wholly inappropriate to give to a deputy.
In a formal statement, the LASD emphasised that its deputies "serve this community with professionalism, dedication, and commitment" and deserve basic respect. They warned that acts promoting hostility towards law enforcement "undermine community trust and public safety." The store's internal investigation is ongoing.
