Employee fired after Charlie Kirk’s go-to Starbucks order comes with hateful message

MIDDLETOWN, OHIO: An employee was fired Sunday evening, September 21, after writing a hateful message on a Starbucks cup ordered by an Ohio woman who had requested Charlie Kirk’s favorite drink.

Autumn Perkins visited a Kroger-run Starbucks and asked for the "Mint Majesty with two honeys," the exact order associated with Kirk.

Although the employee admitted to writing the offensive message, the incident left a strong impact on Perkins’ perception of visiting Starbucks. Let’s find out what that impact was.

Autumn Perkins emphasizes respect between one another

When Autumn Perkins received her order, she was shocked to see the words “racist’s fav drink” written on the side of the cup. After speaking with the manager, Perkins learned that the employee admitted to writing the hateful message and was promptly fired.

“It’s time for people to stop this nonsense,” Perkins told Fox News Digital. "I would agree that people should be fired if they’re doing something like this," she said, emphasizing that “actions have repercussions.”

Perkins stressed that Charlie Kirk stood for respect. “I feel like Charlie stood for respect. We don’t have to agree on everything,” she said. “We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other. We can’t communicate and grow if we’re disrespecting each other.”

Perkins added that she often visited Starbucks while traveling because it was convenient, but now she plans to stop. “I don’t intend to spend another penny at Starbucks,” she said. “And as far as I’m concerned, neither will my children or anybody else in my family who will listen to me."

Starbucks confirms the termination of an employee

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Starbucks spokesperson said, “Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment."

The company added, "This Starbucks location is licensed and operated by Kroger. We understand that this associate was terminated by Kroger.”

Kroger confirmed the termination in an email on Monday, September 22, stating, “This behavior does not reflect Kroger’s values.” 

Internet reacts to Starbucks firing over hateful message

After news spread about the employee’s firing, many people quickly shared their reactions online. 

One user commented, "People seem to forget that while free speech is protected by the government, employers don't have to let negative comments go unnoticed. They rely on customers to stay in business, and driving customers away is not tolerated—they do have consequences."

Another person wrote, "When you work at a job dealing with the public, you are being PAID to put your feelings aside and deal with customers in a professional manner. If you cannot do that, find another job."

A third added, "Remember that this coffee shop was operated by Kroger and they made sure that this disgusting employee was fired for saying such a horrible thing on that cup. I have more respect for Kroger now that I know they will not tolerate that kind of behavior!"

Another user suggested, "People, just do your job and keep your personal opinions to yourselves. It's not worth it." Someone else added, "Why do people feel entitled to share their opinions? No one wants to hear it—just do your job."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.