By Manisha Sahu, America News World
September 23, 2025
An Ohio woman’s routine coffee run turned into a controversy that has since gone viral, after a Starbucks employee wrote a hateful message on her cup referencing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The incident has sparked discussions on workplace professionalism, political tolerance, and corporate responsibility, ultimately leading to the dismissal of the employee involved.
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A Shocking Discovery at Starbucks
On Sunday evening, Autumn Perkins visited a Starbucks outlet inside a Kroger supermarket in Ohio. Like many loyal supporters of political commentator Charlie Kirk, Perkins placed an order for his favorite drink – a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys. What she received, however, was not just the beverage, but also an offensive note scribbled on her cup.
To her shock, the cup read: “Racist’s fav drink.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Perkins said she was stunned by the message and called it an unnecessary act of hostility. “It’s time for people to stop this nonsense,” she stated. “We don’t have to agree on everything. We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other.”
The Employee’s Termination
Perkins immediately reported the matter to the store’s manager. After a short conversation, it was revealed that one of the employees admitted to writing the message. Following this admission, the employee was promptly terminated.
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Perkins expressed her agreement with the decision. “I would agree that people should be fired if they’re doing something like this,” she said. She further emphasized that actions have consequences and that basic respect must guide interactions in public and professional spaces.
She also defended Kirk’s public image, adding: “Charlie stood for respect. We can’t communicate and grow if we’re disrespecting each other.”
Starbucks and Kroger Respond
As the controversy gained traction, both Starbucks and Kroger, which operates the licensed Starbucks outlet, issued public statements.
A Starbucks spokesperson described the incident as “unacceptable”, adding:
“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 echoed the same sentiment, releasing a statement to Fox News Digital on Monday. “This behavior does not reflect Kroger’s values,” a company representative wrote in an email, confirming the firing.
Broader Debate on Civility and Tolerance
The incident is more than a workplace misstep—it has reignited debates about political polarization and civility in America. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, is a prominent conservative voice often in the spotlight for his political positions. While his supporters admire him for advocating traditional values and free speech, his critics accuse him of being divisive.
For many, the Starbucks employee’s action illustrates how personal political biases can seep into professional environments, jeopardizing customer trust and company reputations. The response from Starbucks and Kroger highlights the increasing emphasis corporations place on neutrality, professionalism, and respect for customers regardless of political beliefs.
Public Reaction
The story quickly spread across social media, where reactions have been divided. Supporters of Perkins and Kirk condemned the employee’s behavior as “immature and discriminatory”, praising the swift termination. On the other hand, some critics argued that the firing was harsh, framing it as another example of corporations bowing to political pressure.
Despite these differing perspectives, the consensus remains that customer service interactions must remain free of personal judgments.
Lessons for Businesses
This episode underscores the importance of workplace training and corporate accountability. Companies like Starbucks and Kroger rely on millions of customer interactions daily, and even a single negative incident can go viral within hours.
For employees, the lesson is equally clear: while freedom of speech is a constitutional right, the workplace imposes standards of professionalism. Disparaging or offensive remarks, particularly those targeting customers, carry direct consequences.
Moving Forward
Perkins, while shaken by the experience, hopes the incident encourages people to reflect on the need for respect in daily life. “We don’t have to agree on everything. We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other,” she reiterated.
The situation may be resolved at a corporate level, but it leaves behind larger questions about America’s social fabric. As political divisions deepen, stories like this reveal the fragile balance between free expression and respect in public spaces. For Starbucks and Kroger, the takeaway is simple: fostering a culture of professionalism is not optional—it is essential.
The Ohio Starbucks incident shows how a seemingly small act—a few words written on a cup—can ripple into a national conversation about civility, respect, and political division. While the employee has faced consequences, the larger debate over tolerance and disagreement in a polarized society remains far from settled.
As Perkins herself put it, the path forward requires one thing above all: mutual respect.