Starbucks controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
US congressman demands Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang
Public backlash
Starbucks, the multinational coffeehouse chain, was the subject of a public demand by a United States congressman, as reported by Reuters. The official called on the company to close its first stores in China's Xinjiang region. The report identifies the demand as public but does not state the congressman's reasons, the number of stores involved, their specific locations, or any timeline. No response from Starbucks is stated in the source, and no corporate action, decision, or outcome is reported. The item is recorded here as a controversy note concerning the brand's operations in Xinjiang, based solely on the cited report.
A US congressman publicly demanded that Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang region, as reported by Reuters. No company response is stated in the source.
Stated objective. Demonstrate allyship and show unity.
Company response
Clarification — Starbucks
Starbucks has reversed its position.
Source excerpt
US congressman demands Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang
Until then, Starbucks employees will be permitted to wear Black Lives Matter pins and shirts.
After an internal memo initially prohibiting workers from wearing Black Lives Matter gear was circulated, Starbucks has reversed its position.
2026
Proposed class-action lawsuit filed against Starbucks over 'sugar-free' protein drinks
Lawsuit filed
In October 2026, a proposed class-action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington state against Starbucks by three consumers who purchased drinks in California, New York and Washington. The suit alleges that Starbucks' "sugar-free" protein beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-sized serving, and that no reasonable consumer would expect a drink labeled "sugar-free" to contain that amount. It targets eight hot and iced protein beverages, including the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte and protein matcha drinks, and seeks to stop Starbucks from using "sugar-free" on products containing sugar. Starbucks disputes the allegations, saying the claims have no merit, that it has consistently provided nutrition information, and that the sugar comes naturally from protein-boosted milk while sugar-free syrups are used for flavoring.
A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed on Oct. 2, 2026 in federal court in Washington state by three consumers who bought the drinks in California, New York and Washington, alleging that Starbucks' "sugar-free" protein beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-sized serving and that no reasonable consumer would expect a drink labeled "sugar-free" to contain that amount. The suit targets eight hot and iced protein beverages, including the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte and protein matcha drinks, and asks the court to stop Starbucks from using "sugar-free" on products containing sugar. Starbucks is disputing the allegations, saying the claims have no merit, that it has consistently provided nutrition information, and that the sugar comes naturally from protein-boosted milk while sugar-free syrups are used for flavoring.
Stated objective. Stop Starbucks from using "sugar-free" to describe products that contain sugar
Company response
Denial — Starbucks
"We believe these claims have no merit," a Starbucks spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Clarification — Starbucks
Starbucks has consistently and clearly provided information about its protein beverages, sugar-free options, customization choices, and nutritional content across product announcements, menus, marketing materials, Starbucks.com and the Starbucks app, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter.
Source excerpt
The beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar in a venti-sized serving, according to the lawsuit, which reportedly argues that "no reasonable consumer" would expect a drink called "sugar-free" to contain that amount.
The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed Oct. 2 in federal court in Washington state, targets eight hot and iced Starbucks protein beverages, including its Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte and protein matcha drinks.
The company says the sugar in the drinks comes naturally from protein-boosted milk rather than added sugar, and that sugar-free syrups are used for flavoring.
2026
Starbucks sued over hot tea spill injuries at San Diego store
Lawsuit filed
A lawsuit was filed against Starbucks in San Diego Superior Court on June 24, alleging that hot tea served with an unsecured lid on a wobbly table spilled onto the lap and genitals of a 63-year-old oil-and-gas executive, causing catastrophic burns and debilitating nerve damage. The case was removed to San Diego federal court on August 6. In an August 6 answer, Starbucks denied the allegations.
Oil-and-gas executive Vladimir Podlipskiy, 63, sued Starbucks in San Diego Superior Court on June 24, alleging that a hot tea served with an unsecured lid on a wobbly table spilled on his lap and genitals, causing catastrophic burns and debilitating nerve damage; the case was removed to San Diego federal court on August 6, and Starbucks denied the allegations in an August 6 answer.
Company response
Denial — Starbucks
in an answer filed August 6, the company denied Podlipskiy’s allegations and claimed he “may have failed in his duty to mitigate his damages.”
Source excerpt
which was initially filed June 24 in San Diego Superior Court and removed to San Diego federal court on August 6
in an answer filed August 6, the company denied Podlipskiy’s allegations and claimed he “may have failed in his duty to mitigate his damages.”
A Starbucks customer suffered “debilitating nerve damage” to his genitalia when a hot cup of tea spilled on his lap after being placed on a “wobbly” table, according to a federal lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.
2026
Starbucks settles North Hollywood customer’s lawsuit
Settlement
A customer settled his negligence lawsuit against Starbucks. The customer alleged that hot liquid spilled onto his lap after a drive-thru drink was handed to him with an unsecured lid. The settlement terms were not disclosed. The event was reported on October 29, 2026.
Source excerpt
On Thursday, attorneys told Judge Lauren A. R. Lofton that the case had been resolved. No terms were divulged in the judge’s clerk’s minute order.
A Starbucks customer settled his lawsuit in which he alleged he was burned after a hot drink handed out by a drive-thru employee spilled onto his lap due to an unsecured lid.
In an opinion issued Monday, a Southern District of New York judge granted summary judgment in favor of Starbucks, rejecting a former store manager’s allegations that he was fired in retaliation for reporting underpayment of wages and the use of potentially dangerous pest control strips.
2023
Discrimination damages awarded to former regional manager
A court ordered Starbucks to pay punitive and compensatory damages to a former regional manager after finding that she was dismissed because she was white in connection with the company's response to the Philadelphia incident.
2023
Bankruptcy of Brazilian operating partner
SouthRock Capital, which operated Starbucks locations in Brazil, entered bankruptcy proceedings. The operator said stores would continue operating while the business was restructured and weaker locations were addressed.
2022
Starbucks workers walk out over workplace safety concerns
Public backlash
Employees at a Starbucks store in Buffalo walked off the job, saying they lacked the staff and resources to work safely amid rising COVID-19 cases. Starbucks closed the store for the day. Starbucks Workers United accused the company of prioritizing profits over workers; a Starbucks spokesperson said the company had met and exceeded CDC and expert guidelines and offered vaccine and isolation pay.
Company response
Clarification — Starbucks
Starbucks spokesperson Reggie Borges said the company has met and exceeded CDC and expert guidelines and offered vaccine and isolation pay.
Source excerpt
"Pressure to go to work is being put on many of us, when some of us already have other health issues. The company has again shown that they continue to put profits above people," Starbucks Workers United said in a statement.
Six employees who had been scheduled to work formed a picket line outside the Buffalo store, leading Starbucks to close it for the day, the company said.
Employees of a Starbucks store in upstate New York who voted to unionize last month walked off the job Wednesday, saying they lacked the staff and resources to work safely amid surging COVID-19 cases.
2021
Starbucks closes two China stores amid food-safety investigation
Corrective action
After local media reported that two Starbucks outlets in Wuxi used expired ingredients, Starbucks said it had immediately closed the stores to conduct an investigation. The reported allegations were not independently established in the supplied source.
Stated objective. Conduct a thorough investigation.
Company response
Investigation — Starbucks
We take what was reported by local media very seriously, and have immediately closed the two stores in question to conduct a thorough investigation
Investigation — Starbucks
After hearing about the publication, Starbucks shut down the two stores while it conducted it’s own investigation.
Apology — Starbucks
They then publicly apologized on Monday stating that the two locations insufficiently paid attention to food safety standards.
Source excerpt
In the article that was published by the Beijing News, it said that the Starbucks outlets continued to use matcha liquids to make lattes even if they were already past the expiration dates.
"We take what was reported by local media very seriously, and have immediately closed the two stores in question to conduct a thorough investigation," the spokesman of the American coffee chain said in a statement.
Starbucks was reported to have shut down two of its stores in China after a local newspaper reported they had used expired ingredients in making beverages.
2021
Class-action suit alleges misleading Starbucks Frappuccino labeling
Lawsuit filed
A class-action suit filed in Massachusetts federal court alleged that Starbucks deceptively labeled, marketed and sold a vanilla-flavored Frappuccino that did not contain vanilla as the ingredient providing its characterizing flavor. These are allegations in the complaint, not a reported court finding.
Source excerpt
The newly appointed Jamestown harbormaster is suing Starbucks, claiming deceptive labeling, marketing and sale of a Frappuccino coffee drink, according to a class-action suit filed in Massachusetts federal court Friday.
In reality, the Product contains ‘natural flavor,’ not vanilla, as the ingredient that provides for the Product’s characterizing vanilla flavor,” the complaint says.
The beverage under fire is the “Vanilla With Other Natural Flavors Starbucks Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drink.”
2020
Lawsuit over hot-tea burn injuries
Lawsuit filed
Tommy Piluyev sued Starbucks and Pactiv Packaging, alleging negligence and product liability after he suffered burns from spilled hot tea. The article reports the allegations and does not establish a court determination.
Source excerpt
The lawsuit alleging negligence and product liability by Starbucks and Pactiv Packaging, which provides the cups and lids, says the then-22-year-old spent 11 days hospitalized in the burn unit at UC Davis Medical Center, CBS reports.
2020
Customer filed lawsuit against Starbucks over hot tea burns
Lawsuit filed
In September 2020, a California customer filed a lawsuit against Starbucks and Packaging Inc., alleging that the lid of a hot tea cup came off and caused severe burns. The report describes the customer's allegation rather than a court finding. The filing names both Starbucks and Packaging Inc. as defendants and centers on the claim that the cup lid detached, resulting in the injuries described. No court determination on the allegation is reported in the source.
Company response
Investigation — Starbucks
Starbucks in a responding statement said it was investigating Piluyev’s allegations.
Investigation — Starbucks
A spokesperson for Starbucks told TODAY via email that the company investigated Piluyev’s claim in 2018 and found the handoff to be successful.
Ongoing disclosure — Starbucks
We are continuing to evaluate the claim
Investigation — Starbucks
A spokesperson for Starbucks told TODAY via email that the company investigated Piluyev's claim in 2018 and found the handoff to be successful.
Source excerpt
Starbucks in a responding statement said it was investigating Piluyev’s allegations.
“As the window associate reached to the SUV’s window sill to deliver the second sleeved and lidded cup to Mr. Piluyev, the lid lost its seal with the cup lip and dislodged from the top of the cup,” according to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Sacramento.
A California man struggling to enjoy more intimate moments with his lover has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks for the severe burns he suffered to his stomach, hands and genitals after the lid popped off his hot tea and splashed into his lap.
2020
Woman files discrimination lawsuit against Starbucks
Lawsuit filed
A Muslim woman filed a discrimination lawsuit against Starbucks after alleging that a barista wrote "ISIS" on her coffee cup. Starbucks stated that the act was not deliberate and that it was investigating the matter. The event was reported on July 8, 2020.
A Muslim woman filed a discrimination suit against Starbucks after alleging that a barista wrote “ISIS” on her coffee cup. Starbucks said the act was not deliberate and that it was investigating.
Company response
Investigation — Starbucks
We are investigating this matter.
Denial — Starbucks
However we believe, that this is not a deliberate act
Investigation — Target
We have investigated the matter and believe that it was not a deliberate act but an unfortunate mistake that could have been avoided with more clarification.
Personnel action — Target
We're taking appropriate actions with the team member, including additional training, to ensure this does not occur again,
Source excerpt
Aishah has filed a discrimination suite at Starbucks Shop.
We are investigating this matter.
In the latest incident the famous Starbucks coffee shop had allegedly racially abused a Muslim woman by in-scripting “ISIS” on the coffee cup.
2020
NAA fines Starbucks and orders price reductions
Fine or penalty
In a 2020 ruling, India's National Anti-Profiteering Authority fined Starbucks Rs 1.04 crore for failing to pass on the benefits of a GST cut to consumers, and ordered the company to reduce its product prices. Tata Group, which operates Starbucks in India, said it would comply with the ruling. The decision addressed the company's handling of the tax reduction rather than any other aspect of its operations.
India’s National Anti-Profiteering Authority fined Starbucks Rs 1.04 crore for not passing on GST-cut benefits to consumers and ordered it to reduce product prices. Tata Group said it would comply with the ruling.
Company response
Ongoing disclosure — Tata Group
Tata Group said that it would comply with the ruling as a responsible business.
Source excerpt
Starbucks has also been asked to "reduce the prices of products so that the benefits of tax reduction are passed on to the recipients".
Tata Group said that it would comply with the ruling as a responsible business.
Starbucks has been fined Rs 1.04 crore by the National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) for not passing on good and services tax cut benefits on to consumers.
2019
Oregon man sues Starbucks over alleged almond milk mix-up
Lawsuit filed
Max Scher filed a US$10,000 lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging that he ordered coffee with soy milk but received almond milk, triggering an allergic reaction and an emergency-room visit. Starbucks said it was investigating the situation.
Company response
Investigation — Starbucks
The Seattle-based company says they are thoroughly investigating this situation.
Source excerpt
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Thursday that 34-year-old Max Scher filed a $10,000 lawsuit against the company this week saying he had to rush to a Portland emergency room in May after taking sips of the drink.
The Seattle-based company says they are thoroughly investigating this situation.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Thursday that 34-year-old Max Scher filed a US$10,000 lawsuit against the company this week saying he had to rush to a Portland emergency room in May after taking sips of the drink.
2019
Starbucks temporarily closes seven Hanoi stores amid water contamination crisis
Corrective action
In October 2019, Starbucks temporarily closed seven stores in Hanoi's southwestern districts during an ongoing oil contamination crisis affecting water supplies. No reopening date had been set at the time. The closures were reported in connection with the contaminated water situation in the area.
Source excerpt
A Starbucks store on Duy Tan Street in Cau Giay District was closed on October 18, 2019.
Coffee shop giant Starbucks has temporarily closed seven stores in Hanoi’s southwestern districts over the ongoing oil contamination crisis.
2019
Proven REIT chairman apologizes for homeownership remarks
Company response
Christopher Williams, chairman of Proven REIT, faced public criticism after suggesting that reducing coffee consumption could help people afford a home. He subsequently retracted the remark and apologized to those making sacrifices to achieve homeownership. He also apologized to Starbucks owners and franchise operators and withdrew the reference to the brand.
After Christopher Williams faced public criticism for suggesting that reducing coffee consumption could help people afford a home, he retracted the remark and apologized to those making sacrifices to achieve homeownership. He also apologized to Starbucks owners and franchise operators and withdrew the reference to the brand.
Company response
Apology — Proven REIT
The Proven REIT chair has retracted the comment, labelling the remark as flippant and inappropriate. “I wholeheartedly apologise to all those making tremendous sacrifices to achieve homeownership,” he told The Gleaner in a letter to the editor. “I also wish to assure the owners and franchise operators of Starbucks that I meant no harm to their excellent brand and hereby withdraw the reference and unreservedly apologise to them as well,”
Source excerpt
“I wholeheartedly apologise to all those making tremendous sacrifices to achieve homeownership,” he told The Gleaner in a letter to the editor. “I also wish to assure the owners and franchise operators of Starbucks that I meant no harm to their excellent brand and hereby withdraw the reference and unreservedly apologise to them as well,”
Williams has since faced heavy public criticisms over the remark. The Proven REIT chair has retracted the comment, labelling the remark as flippant and inappropriate.
2019
Customer sues Starbucks over hot-water burns
Lawsuit filed
In 2019, a customer in Oregon filed a lawsuit against Starbucks seeking $288,000, alleging that hot water spilled from a cup at a Starbucks store in Portland and caused severe burns. The claim centered on the spill of hot water from the cup and the resulting injuries described in the suit. The event was reported in October 2019.
An Oregon customer sued Starbucks for $288,000, alleging that hot water spilled from a cup at a Starbucks shop in Portland and caused severe burns.
Company response
Investigation — Starbucks
We take these allegations seriously and are thoroughly investigating.
Source excerpt
An Oregon woman is suing Starbucks for at least $288,000 after a local chain allegedly served her water so hot she required skin grafts, according to a report.
Philina Cha ordered a cup of joe and hot water at a Starbucks in Portland on Nov. 6, 2017, when the piping hot water spilled from the cup, onto her leg and in her boot, according to The Oregonian, which cites the lawsuit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Tuesday.
A Starbucks spokesperson told FOX Business they “believe the claims are without merit.”
2019
Former Starbucks manager sues over alleged discrimination
Lawsuit filed
A former Starbucks regional manager, Shannon Phillips, sued the company, alleging that Starbucks discriminated against white people and that she was fired after she objected to a subordinate's firing. Starbucks denied the claims and stated that it was prepared to defend the case. The dispute centers on Phillips' allegations of discrimination and retaliation in connection with the termination of a subordinate employee, as well as the company's rejection of those claims.
Former Starbucks regional manager Shannon Phillips sued Starbucks, alleging that the company discriminated against white people and fired her after she objected to a subordinate’s firing. Starbucks denied the claims and said it was prepared to defend the case.
Company response
Denial — Starbucks
Starbucks told Fox News: "We deny the claims in the lawsuit and are prepared to defend our case in court."
Source excerpt
A former Starbucks regional manager whose territory included a Philadelphia location where two black men were arrested last year after they sat down in the store without ordering anything is suing the company for allegedly discriminating against white people, according to reports.
Phillips, a 13-year employee of Starbucks who oversaw stores in southern New Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware and Maryland, “took steps to ensure that the retail locations within her area were a safe and welcoming environment for all customers, regardless of race,” according to the lawsuit that was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey.
A spokesman for Starbucks told ABC News, "We deny the claims in the lawsuit and are fully prepared to present our case in court."
2019
Starbucks settles New York paid sick leave case
Settlement
Starbucks agreed to change its policy and pay $150,000 in restitution in a settlement following a joint city and state investigation that found it had routinely violated paid sick leave requirements. The article reports that workers had been required to find substitutes when calling out sick, with possible corrective action up to termination if they could not.
Source excerpt
The "widespread violations" of city law have resulted in a settlement, in which the company agreed to change its policy and pay out $150,000 in restitution.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and State Attorney General Tish James announced Thursday that the world's largest coffee chain had previously forced workers to find a substitute when they call out sick.
2019
Starbucks apologizes after police officers were refused service
Company response
Starbucks apologized after two uniformed police officers in California were refused service at one of its locations. The company said the employees had been suspended while it investigated the incident.
Company response
Apology — Starbucks
There is simply no excuse for how two Riverside deputies were ignored. We are deeply sorry and reached out to apologise directly to them
Investigation — Starbucks
The employees have been suspended from work while the company investigates the incident, Starbucks confirmed.
Personnel action — Starbucks
The employees have been suspended from work while the company investigates the incident, Starbucks confirmed.
Source excerpt
The employees have been suspended from work while the company investigates the incident, Starbucks confirmed.
Starbucks has apologised after two uniformed police officers in California were refused service, Fox News reported on Saturday.
There is simply no excuse for how two Riverside deputies were ignored. We are deeply sorry and reached out to apologise directly to them