Skip to main content
Discover what's not being covered
Published • loading... • Updated

Starbucks barista at Kroger fired after writing 'racists fav drink' on Charlie Kirk order

A Starbucks employee in Middletown, Ohio, was fired after writing a hateful message on a cup for a customer ordering Charlie Kirk's favorite drink, company and Kroger confirmed.

  • Earlier this month, supporters launched a Change.org petition on Sept. 14 to urge Starbucks to add Charlie Kirk's, conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, favored drink to menus nationwide.
  • On September 10, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah, and he frequently ordered a Mint Majesty tea with 2 Honeys to protect his speaking voice.
  • On Tuesday, a TikTok video poster shared a clip from a Yucaipa, California café that drew over 40,000 likes and nearly 8,000 comments, while Starbucks partner guidance and company statement clarified customers may use names like Charlie Kirk.
  • Kroger confirmed the employee was terminated and Starbucks labeled the writing unacceptable after Autumn Perkins, Ohio customer, reported the disparaging message on her cup.
  • Union pushback highlighted tensions over cup-writing rules as the petition organizer framed honoring Kirk as respecting faith and family, while Starbucks Workers United disputed the company’s official cup-writing policy.
Insights by Ground AI

66 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

IBTimes broke the news in New York, United States on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal