In an incident at a Starbucks inside a Kroger store in Middletown, Ohio, a customer discovered an anti-Charlie Kirk message written on her drink.
The message, which referred to the late conservative activist, was written by an employee on the side of the cup.
The employee was fired after the incident.
The incident and response
Autumn Perkins, a Middletown resident, ordered her usual drink—a mint majesty with two honeys—at the Starbucks located inside a Kroger supermarket.
Upon receiving the drink, Perkins was shocked to find “racist’s fav drink” written on the cup.
Perkins expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s time for people to stop this nonsense,” in an interview with Fox News Digital.
After speaking with the store manager, she learned that the employee responsible for the message admitted to writing it.
Perkins emphasized that she believed the employee should be fired for the incident. “I would agree that people should be fired if they’re doing something like this,” she said. “Actions have repercussions.”
Starbucks and Kroger's response
Starbucks responded swiftly to the situation, issuing a statement condemning the incident.
A spokesperson for the company said, “Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment.
"This Starbucks location is licensed and operated by Kroger. We understand that this associate was terminated by Kroger.”
Kroger also addressed the matter. In an email to Fox News Digital, a representative confirmed that the employee had been let go, stating, “This behavior does not reflect Kroger’s values.”
Perkins' future with Starbucks
Perkins, who had regularly visited Starbucks due to its availability, said that she would no longer be spending her money at the chain. “I don’t intend to spend another penny at Starbucks—and as far as I’m concerned, neither will my children or anybody else in my family who will listen to me.”
This incident highlights the potential for strong reactions to messages of hate, especially when they occur in public-facing spaces.
For Perkins, the experience left a lasting impact, and her stance on supporting businesses involved in such controversies seems clear.