A Hispanic woman was left furious after receiving a drink at Starbucks with what she claims was a racially offensive joke written on the cup. The incident has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about cultural sensitivity and discrimination in customer service.
The Incident at Starbucks
The incident took place at a Starbucks location in the U.S., where a Hispanic woman ordered a drink as usual. However, when she received her cup, she noticed something that immediately upset her. Instead of her name, the barista allegedly wrote “Pez,” which is Spanish slang for “fish,” followed by the word “muerta,” which means “dead.” The phrase “pez muerta” is often used in a derogatory context to describe someone as lifeless, boring, or even unpleasant—particularly aimed at women. The customer interpreted this as an intentional and offensive jab at her ethnicity and appearance.
Customer Speaks Out
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, spoke to the media and shared her experience on social media platforms. She said she initially thought it might be a mistake, but after considering the words and the way they were written, she became convinced it was meant as a cruel joke.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” she said. “I felt humiliated and targeted because of my background. This wasn’t just a misspelling—it felt personal and racist.”
Her post quickly gained traction online, with many users supporting her and calling out the behavior as unacceptable in any professional environment.
Starbucks Responds
Following the backlash, Starbucks issued a public statement acknowledging the incident. A spokesperson for the company said that they are “deeply concerned” by the customer’s experience and are investigating the matter internally.
“We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. This behavior does not reflect our values or standards, and we are taking this complaint seriously,” the statement read.
The company also stated that they had reached out to the customer to offer a personal apology and resolve the situation appropriately.
A Larger Conversation About Respect and Inclusion
This incident has sparked broader discussions about how businesses handle cultural diversity and the importance of respectful communication. Advocates for the Hispanic community have used this case as an example of how subtle racism or “microaggressions” can manifest in everyday interactions.
“It’s not just about one cup,” one social media user commented. “It’s about the bigger issue of how minority communities are treated in service spaces.”
Others pointed out that this could be an opportunity for Starbucks—and other corporations—to reinforce employee training focused on diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
Calls for Accountability
As the story continues to circulate, many are calling for stronger consequences, not only for the individual barista involved but for companies that fail to address such behavior effectively. While some people suggested that this might have been a joke gone wrong, most agree that workplace professionalism should never cross the line into disrespect.
Conclusion: A Reminder That Words Matter
This Starbucks incident serves as a powerful reminder that words—no matter how small—can carry significant weight. For customers, especially those from marginalized groups, respect and kindness are not just appreciated—they’re expected. As conversations about inclusion grow louder, companies are under increasing pressure to ensure their employees reflect the values they promote.
