What started as a simple tea order turned into a viral controversy when an Ohio woman, Autumn Perkins, claimed a Starbucks barista handed her a cup with “racist’s fav drink” written on it. Perkins had specifically ordered a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys, famously known as Charlie Kirk’s go-to Starbucks choice. Instead of receiving a normal order, she found herself in the middle of a political storm that has since spread across the United States.

Perkins, who lives in Middletown, Ohio, said she bought the drink inside a Kroger-operated Starbucks. After spotting the message, she spoke with the store manager, leading to the employee’s termination. Perkins later told Fox News she was “shocked” and called the act completely unacceptable. “It’s time for people to stop this nonsense. Actions have repercussions,” she said.

Starbucks issued a statement condemning the incident, clarifying that company policies strictly prohibit negative or offensive comments on customer orders. Kroger, which runs the location, confirmed the firing, stating that such behavior “does not reflect Kroger’s values.”

The controversy escalated after Perkins posted about it on Facebook, where she explained that she had purchased the drink only because it was connected to Kirk. She added that she usually avoids Starbucks, citing both personal and religious reasons, but wanted to support Kirk by buying his favorite drink. Perkins concluded that she would now exclusively support small Christian-owned coffee shops.