Customers at Starbucks are reportedly liberated to utilize Charlie Kirk's name when placing their orders, according to the company's recent statement.
In a recent incident that has gone viral on TikTok, a Starbucks customer in California found themselves in a heated exchange with a barista over the use of a political name on their order.
According to the viral video, the customer, who identified themselves as "Charlie Kirk," requested a drink but was met with resistance when the barista asked for a name. The customer complied, but the barista refused to write "Charlie Kirk" on the cup, stating it was a political name.
The customer then inquired why they couldn't use their full name, to which the barista responded that it was a matter of respect and politeness. The customer declined the order and left the store.
The incident has sparked a debate, with comments on the video overwhelmingly supporting the barista's handling of the situation. One comment praised the barista for handling the situation with a smile, another commended the barista for standing their ground.
However, Starbucks has stated that there are no restrictions on customers using Charlie Kirk's name on their orders. In fact, the company has previously provided guidance to their partners to respectfully ask the customer to use a different name if they feel uncomfortable.
Starbucks has had instances where customers have tried to use political slogans or offensive words instead of their name. In such cases, the company has always encouraged their team members to handle the situation with care and professionalism.
The barista featured in the viral video is not named in the search results, nor is her workplace location specified. Starbucks has confirmed that they are following up with their team regarding the incident.
The company released a follow-up statement on Wednesday, clarifying that customers can use their preferred name, including "Charlie Kirk," when ordering their drink. The statement was released by Gray Local Media, Inc. in 2025.
This incident raises questions about the boundaries between politics and everyday life, and how businesses should handle such situations. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder for us all to approach each other with respect and understanding.
