Starbucks clarifies cup-writing policy after Charlie Kirk incidents

Starbucks moved this week to clarify its cup-writing policy after a string of viral videos and social media posts in which customers sought to have the name of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk written on their drinks and, in separate incidents, found insulting messages on cups. The episodes, occurring at multiple U.S. locations in mid-September, reignited debate over customer service, political expression and worker safety following Kirk's killing on September 10.

The company initially issued a brief statement saying there were no restrictions on customers using Charlie Kirk's name and that it was following up with its team. A fuller statement the next day said Starbucks aims to respect customers who want to use a different name when ordering and that names, on their own, can be used on café orders. The company added that partners have been given guidance to ask customers to use a different name when someone attempts to substitute political slogans or explicit phrases for a name, and reiterated that handwritten notes on cups remain a way for baristas to connect with customers.

That explanation did not end the controversy. A TikTok clip filmed at a Starbucks in Yucaipa,...