Starbucks Denies Banning Pride Decorations, But Controversy Persists

Coffee giant Starbucks is in the midst of controversy due to allegations that the company banned Pride decorations in its stores during Pride month, and some customers are beginning to protest.

The alleged ban was reported by the Starbuck's Workers United union group on Twitter.

"For the last two weeks, Starbucks workers have taken to social media to report that the company is no longer allowing Pride decorations in-store,” they wrote in a tweet that has amassed over 5.6 million views.

The coffee chain has since denied the claim. In a statement shared with Newsweek, Starbucks representative Andrew Trull said, "We unwaveringly support the LGBTQIA2+ community."

“There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities including for U.S. Pride month in June,” he added. "We’re deeply concerned by false information that is being spread especially as it relates to our inclusive store environments, our company culture, and the benefits we offer our partners."

But the company's statement has not put the issue to rest. On social media, videos have spread of alleged Starbucks employees taking down Pride flags at stores across the country.

One such video, shared by @SBWorkersUnited on TikTok, shows an alleged Starbucks district manager admit to having just taken down a Pride flag.

"Starbucks took down pride flags at stores in Ohio, so community supporters came in and hung up their own flags. The District Manager responded by tearing down the flags," the video's caption reads.

Also shown is a woman confronting the alleged district manager. "Did you just take that flag down?" she can be heard asking. She then hands her drink to another nearby woman, saying, "I literally only came here because of that support, and I'm not going to drink it. I go to Dunkin'."

"When I saw the flag was up I bought a drink, but I'd just rather not drink it," she adds. Have a good day," she adds.

The video has received more than 2.7 million views.

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