A disturbing incident unfolded at an Ohio Starbucks when a customer received her order with "racist's fav drink" written on the cup after she specifically requested Charlie Kirk's preferred beverage.

According to The New York Post, Autumn Perkins visited a Starbucks location inside a Kroger store in Middletown, Ohio, where she ordered Kirk's go-to drink - mint majesty tea with two honeys. When Perkins received her order, she was shocked to discover the hateful message scrawled on the side of her cup.

The employee responsible for writing the offensive message was promptly terminated after admitting to the act. Perkins told reporters that she spoke with the manager immediately after discovering the message, leading to the employee's confession and subsequent firing.

Customer Expresses Disappointment Over Political Intolerance

"It's time for people to stop this nonsense," Perkins stated in her interview with Fox News Digital about the incident. She further expressed support for the decision to terminate the employee, noting that "actions have repercussions."

Perkins emphasized that respect should transcend political differences, referencing Kirk's own stance on respectful discourse. "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 explained.

The incident has prompted Perkins to reconsider her patronage of the coffee chain despite previously frequenting Starbucks during her travels. "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," Perkins declared firmly.

Both Companies Confirm Disciplinary Action Taken

Starbucks issued a statement condemning the incident and clarifying their position on maintaining a welcoming environment. "Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment," a Starbucks spokesperson stated in response to the incident.

The spokesperson also noted that the location in question is licensed and operated by Kroger, not directly by Starbucks. They confirmed their understanding that the employee responsible had been terminated by Kroger following the incident.

Kroger representatives separately confirmed the employee's firing in an email sent to Fox News Digital on Monday. "This behavior does not reflect Kroger's values," the company representative stated plainly in their communication.

Incident Highlights Growing Political Tensions In Everyday Interactions

The cup incident comes amid increasing reports of politically-motivated confrontations in public spaces across America. Such incidents have become more common as political polarization continues to affect everyday interactions between Americans with differing viewpoints.

This particular case gained attention because it involved Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk has become a well-known figure in conservative circles and frequently speaks on college campuses across the country.

The incident reflects broader concerns about civility in public discourse and the treatment of individuals based on their perceived political affiliations. Many commentators have noted that such incidents can further deepen political divisions rather than encourage productive dialogue.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a local example of how hate-fueled actions, no matter how small they may appear, ripple across communities. It underlines the importance of accountability and respect in retail and service environments. The actions taken by Kroger show that words matter and that companies must act decisively when their values are violated.

Conclusion

What started as a routine Sunday visit to a familiar coffee chain turned into a public lesson in accountability when Autumn Perkins found a hurtful phrase written on her Starbucks order inside a Kroger in Middletown, Ohio. After the employee admitted to writing “racist’s fav drink” on her cup, they were promptly fired.

Perkins announced she will no longer support Starbucks, and both Kroger and Starbucks corporate offices issued statements condemning the act. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how easily disrespect can enter into everyday transactions — and how vital it is for companies to protect a culture of professionalism and inclusivity.