Starbucks Responds After Deputy Receives Coffee with Pig Drawing on Cup
The Brief
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an incident involving a deputy who was served a Starbucks coffee cup featuring a hand-drawn image of a pig at a Norwalk location last weekend.
Sheriff Robert Luna condemned the drawing as “offensive and unacceptable.” He personally contacted Starbucks’ corporate security to express his concerns about the incident, emphasizing its negative implications for public safety and community trust.
Starbucks has since issued an apology, clarifying that the drawing was meant to mimic the “John Pork” internet meme and was not intended for customer distribution.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation after a deputy was served a Starbucks coffee cup adorned with a derogatory image of a pig. The incident occurred over the weekend at a location in Norwalk.
On Sunday, January 11, the sheriff’s department reported that a deputy noticed the offensive drawing on the cup, a symbol commonly used to disparage law enforcement. Upon realizing the drawing’s implications, the deputy promptly reported the matter to the store manager, who indicated that it would be looked into.
Sheriff Robert Luna took immediate action by reaching out to the coffee company’s corporate security. He labeled the act as one that undermines the trust between law enforcement and the community. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released a statement that criticized the drawing, asserting, “This action was extremely offensive, inappropriate and unacceptable. Acts that promote hostility and division toward law enforcement undermine community trust and public safety.”
At this time, specific details regarding the Norwalk Starbucks location have not been publicly disclosed, nor has it been confirmed whether any disciplinary action has been taken against the employee involved.
In response to the situation, Starbucks apologized, explaining that the drawing was intended as a lighthearted reference to the “John Pork” internet meme and was never meant for customer consumption.
