17.06.2020

Ariana Grande Unfollows Starbucks On Instagram After Coffee Chain Bans Black Matter Clothing For Employees

By Rebecca Cukier

Ariana Grande is still followed by Starbucks, but the “thank u, next” singer today unfollowed the coffee giant. Ariana, 26, is currently climbing up Twitter trends for her decision to shade the Seattle-based chain amid the brand’s controversial decision to ban employees from wearing Black Lives Matter clothing – a policy that’s since been reversed. Starbucks is now making headlines for a “backtrack” after it ruled out employees “[violating]” the company’s dress code policy by toting #BLM attire. The pop princess, followed by 190 million, herself once updated in Starbucks’ green apron as she promoted the Cloud Macchiato. The vibe appears to have changed.ADVERTISEMENT


Literally, ‘Thank U, Next’

Ariana Grande poses with a Starbucks drink

Ariana unfollowed Starbucks on Tuesday morning. She also took to her Instagram stories to promote other, and lesser-known coffee brands, posting an iced beverage from Nimbus Coffee, a wizard-themed coffee outlet in L.A. “mmmmmmmm @nimbus_coffee_la ⚡,” she wrote, then posting a beverage from Undergrind Cafe. Starbucks’ initial policies ruled out employees from wearing Black Lives Matter clothing or accessories while working. A bulletin had stated that employees were “not permitted to wear buttons or pins that advocate a political, religious or personal issue.”

Starbucks Quickly Backtracks After Backlash

Social media did not respond well to the policy, with June 12 seeing the company reverse its policy in a tweet reading: “Black Lives Matter. We continue to listen to our partners and communities and their desire to stand for justice together. The Starbucks Black Partner Network co-designed t-shirts with this graphic that will soon be sent to 250,000+ store partners.” A statement also issued by the brand behind the Frappuccino addressed the movement revived after the May 25 death of black man George Floyd.

The ‘Bucks Backs Down

Ariana Grande poses with a Starbucks drink

The statement read: “These are alarming, uncertain times, and people everywhere are hurting. You’ve told us you need to express yourself at work, asking: ‘Do you understand how I feel? Do you understand the black community is in pain?’” continuing: “We see you. We hear you. Black lives matter. That is a fact and will never change.” Ariana, whose Starbucks cup fills her Instagram feed, has also jokingly ordering a “Grande” during her “Carpool Karaoke” Starbucks stop with James Corden in 2019. She also fronted the brand more officially last year.


Fronted The Cloud Macchiato

Ariana Grande with Pete Davidson in the street

Gettyimages | Raymond Hall

2019 brought the former “Victorious” star in a popular Instagram post as she posed in the iconic green apron and snuggling a dog while holding the Cloud Macchiato beverage. The star’s last name is, of course, the Grande medium-sized drink, with the cloud being both a tattoo the singer has, plus her perfume. As to Starbucks, which has faced boycott threats over its controversy, it’s now allowing employees to “wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts, pins, and name tags.” Ariana largely sees herself backed by fans on Twitter.

https://theblast.com/133843/ariana-grande-unfollows-starbucks-on-instagram-after-coffee-chai

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