Starbucks Under Fire for Allegedly Banning "Charlie Kirk" from Drink Orders

A video circulating online has led to public friction for Starbucks, as it appears to show a barista confirming that the company's ordering system is programmed to block the name "Charlie Kirk." The customer who recorded the video claimed she simply wanted to honor the conservative activist following his recent death by having his name on her cup.

According to the customer’s account, when she was asked for a name for her order, she requested "Charlie Kirk." The barista allegedly replied, "We can't submit political names." The customer then asked if the barista could at least write the name on the cup by hand, as is customary at some locations. The barista reportedly refused to write the full name, saying she could only write "Charlie" because using his full name was considered "political." The barista then allegedly confirmed that the company's system would not print the name, stating, "The sticker won't print."

The incident has generated widespread discussion online, particularly among those who see the alleged policy as an act of corporate censorship. The claim that the company's computer system is programmed to deny a specific name suggests a top-down corporate decision rather than an individual employee's action. The video and subsequent public commentary have also highlighted a growing trend among Kirk's supporters to order his favorite Starbucks drink in his honor as a form of tribute.

As the video continues to spread, the incident has raised questions about where companies draw the line on political expression and whether such policies are applied uniformly. Many social media users have expressed frustration that a simple tribute to a deceased public figure was met with such a refusal. Starbucks has not yet publicly commented on the matter.