An Ohio woman, Autumn Perkins, received a Starbucks cup labeled “racist’s fav drink” after ordering Charlie Kirk’s go-to beverage, prompting outrage and media attention.

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — A routine visit to a Starbucks inside a Kroger grocery store turned into a disturbing experience for an Ohio woman after she ordered a drink favored by conservative activist Charlie Kirk and received a hateful message written on her cup.

Autumn Perkins, a resident of Middletown, Ohio, was startled when the barista labeled her order — a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys — with the words, “racist’s fav drink.”

“It’s time for people to stop this nonsense,” Perkins said in an interview, expressing her shock and disappointment at the incident. Perkins explained that she had chosen the beverage simply because she wanted to try Kirk’s go-to drink, not as a political statement.

“I just thought it would be fun to order what someone else enjoys,” she said.

Perkins described her reaction upon receiving the cup: “I couldn’t believe it. I looked at it and thought, ‘Did someone actually write this?’ It was a combination of disbelief and disappointment. I’ve never experienced anything like this in a store before.”

After noticing the message, Perkins immediately spoke with the store manager. According to her, the manager acknowledged the incident and confirmed that the employee admitted to writing the offensive comment on the cup.

Kroger, which operates the Starbucks location under a licensing agreement, confirmed that the employee was subsequently terminated.

“I would agree that people should be fired if they’re doing something like this,” Perkins said. “Actions have repercussions, and it’s important for companies to take responsibility when their employees engage in inappropriate behavior.

No one should have to experience something like this while simply trying to enjoy a beverage.”

Perkins also highlighted her personal view of Kirk, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect despite political differences. “I feel like Charlie stood for respect — we don’t have to agree on everything.

We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other,” she said. “We can’t communicate and grow if we’re disrespecting each other. Writing messages like that is not only inappropriate, it’s harmful to the community.”

A spokesperson for Starbucks released a statement acknowledging the incident and reaffirming the company’s policies. “Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment,” the statement read.

“This Starbucks location is licensed and operated by Kroger. We understand that this associate was terminated by Kroger.”

Kroger, for its part, confirmed the termination of the employee in a statement sent to media outlets. “This behavior does not reflect Kroger’s values,” the representative said. “We take these matters seriously and acted quickly once the incident was brought to our attention.”

Perkins expressed her disappointment with the broader implications of the incident, saying it has affected her perception of Starbucks. “I often visit Starbucks when I’m traveling because it’s readily available, but after this, I no longer plan to go there,” she said.

“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.”

The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with many weighing in on the responsibilities of employees and companies in handling politically sensitive or offensive situations.

Some commenters defended the termination as appropriate, while others debated the role of personal expression in customer service settings.

Experts in workplace ethics note that the incident underscores the importance of training and clear policies for employees working in high-visibility customer service roles.

“Employees must understand that personal opinions should not interfere with professional responsibilities,” said Dr. Karen Holt, a workplace behavior specialist.

“Even seemingly minor actions, like writing a comment on a customer’s order, can have serious consequences for both the employee and the employer.”

Perkins also shared her thoughts on how businesses can prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Companies should make it clear that harassment, even in small ways, is unacceptable,” she said. “Employees need to be held accountable, and there should be a culture of respect for all customers, regardless of political or personal beliefs.”

While the incident centered on a single Starbucks order, it highlights the potential for seemingly minor interactions to escalate into public controversies, particularly in politically charged environments.

The company’s swift action in terminating the employee was intended to demonstrate accountability and uphold a standard of professionalism.

Starbucks has emphasized that its stores, particularly those operated by licensees like Kroger, must maintain welcoming and inclusive environments.

The company’s policies explicitly prohibit any messaging that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive to customers.

“We take these matters seriously because every customer deserves to feel respected and safe when visiting our stores,” the Starbucks spokesperson said.

Local community members have expressed mixed reactions. Some praised Perkins for bringing attention to the incident, while others questioned whether the situation warranted termination.

Perkins, however, maintains that it was an important stand for accountability. “When people do the wrong thing, there need to be consequences,” she said. “It’s about sending a message that this kind of behavior isn’t tolerated.”

The case has also sparked broader discussions about civility in public spaces and the ways in which political tensions can manifest in everyday interactions.

Experts suggest that businesses, particularly those with high customer interaction, should provide ongoing training in communication, bias awareness, and conflict resolution to prevent incidents like this from occurring.

“This is not just a Starbucks problem,” Dr. Holt said. “It’s a societal issue that reflects how divided our communities can be. Companies can’t solve it entirely, but they can create structures that protect both employees and customers from unnecessary conflict.”

Perkins said she hopes that sharing her experience will encourage other businesses to enforce clear policies and cultivate respect among staff.

“We all have a responsibility to treat one another with decency,” she said. “A cup of tea or coffee shouldn’t be a platform for hate or personal attacks.”

The employee’s termination and the swift response by Kroger and Starbucks underscore the seriousness with which businesses are now addressing workplace behavior that crosses professional and ethical boundaries.

While the incident involved a single cup of tea, it has become a cautionary tale for companies, employees, and customers about the importance of respect and accountability in public-facing roles.

As for Perkins, she continues to advocate for civility and respect in everyday interactions. “It’s a small moment, but it speaks to larger issues,” she said. “I hope this encourages people to pause and think about how their actions, even seemingly minor ones, impact others.”