Starbucks Employee Suspended After Labeling A Black Woman’s Order “MONKEY”

Cousins! An employee of a Maryland located Starbucks has been suspended after labeling a Black women’s drink with the racial slur “MONKEY”

According to The Root November 19th incident took place at Annapolis mall as confirmed customer Monique Pugh placed her order. She says that she believes the slur is directly connected to racism.

If “you didn’t hear my name, you should have said, ‘Excuse me, can you repeat yourself?’ Not once did she do that. She labeled me what she wanted to label me,” said Monique.

An affiliated company named Impeccable Brands that runs that specific Starbucks location has come forward in stating that the label was made in error.” Within a letter forwarded to Monique Impeccable Brands issued an apology and confirmed that an investigation is underway while confirming the accused employee has been suspended.

Monique says the company’s response is “bogus”.

“To say you’re taking the necessary steps to make sure that word isn’t put on any more customers’ drinks, it’s like, ‘What were you doing before?’ And the fact that they keep saying it was an honest mistake. So, now, it’s an honest mistake and a labeling error?”

Reports read that a spokesperson for Starbucks has come forward in explaining that there is a difference between Starbucks-operated stores and licensed stores. It has been confirmed that the Annapolis located store is a licensed store. Monique says the difference don’t lessen the impact of the ordeal.

“It’s triggering because it’s basically like, ‘OK, this occurred in our store, but we’re wiping our hands clean.’ Maybe [Starbucks] corporate does need to get involved,” she stated.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Starbucks has made a few headlines in the last few years following accusations of racism. From a Black customer in California being asked to wait outside for his in 2021 order to employees being banned from wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ attire in 2021 , to two Black men being arrested in 2018 for sitting in a Philadelphia location and more.

Folks eyebrows are definitely raised high on this one. Cousins, what y’all think?