A Starbucks employee was dismissed following an incident where a disposable coffee cup with a pig drawing was served to a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy. This incident took place on January 9 at a Starbucks location in Norwalk. The deputy received the cup while on a break during a long 16-hour shift.
Details of the Incident
The deputy expressed his feelings about the drawing on his private Instagram account. He found the encounter disheartening, stating that he left the coffee shop feeling uneasy rather than refreshed with caffeine. The deputy’s complaint prompted an investigation by Starbucks.
Starbucks Response
In a statement, Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson explained that the drawing—depicting John Pork, a popular internet meme—was created earlier that same day. Despite determining that the drawing was not meant to be offensive, Starbucks took the matter seriously. The company stated it had reached out to the deputy and the Sheriff’s Department to convey their apologies.
- Incident Date: January 9
- Location: Starbucks in Norwalk, California
- Involved Parties: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy and Starbucks employee
Law Enforcement Reaction
The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert Luna, took immediate action after learning about the incident. He contacted Starbucks’ corporate security to express concerns and ensure accountability. The sheriff also spoke directly with the deputy to check on his emotional state following the encounter.
Feedback and Reactions
The Sheriff’s Department released a statement describing the pig imagery as commonly used to demean law enforcement. They labeled the drawing “offensive, inappropriate, and unacceptable.” This statement received mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting the department and others questioning the deputy’s response.
- Supportive Comments: Expressions of concern for the deputy’s feelings.
- Critical Comments: Jokes about the deputy’s reaction and police conduct.
In summary, the incident at Starbucks highlighting the drawing on the cup led to significant discussions about respect for law enforcement and the appropriateness of humor in everyday interactions. Starbucks’s commitment to customer satisfaction has been reaffirmed through their quick response and actions taken following the event.
