Starbucks investigates anti-gay employee behavior

Starbucks is conducting an investigation this week after patrons at a New York retail location claimed to have witnessed homophobic behavior from managing Starbucks employees.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that a New York blogger helped publicize the story earlier this week when she posted a description of the incident witnessed by herself, her wife and their daughter at their local Starbucks. According to the post, the blogger and her family saw and heard three employees loudly scolding, mocking, patronizing and ultimately firing a fourth employee, who was gay, for discussing his personal life on the job. The blogger included an incendiary letter directed to company officials from her wife, Missy Alison, in which Alison notes the couples’ horror and offense at the Starbucks employees’ conduct.

“I have never, in my entire life seen such a gross and unapologetic display of ignorane and intolerance,” wrote Alison. “I was horrified that my daughter was exposed to that.”

Upon learning of the incident, spokesmen for the popular, Seattle-based coffee company launched an investigation and released a statement emphasizing its dedication to employee diversity and support. The statement included language noting that the actions described in Alison’s letter and her spouse’s blog post were not in keeping with company values.

However, Starbucks spokesman Alan Hilowitz said Wednesday that, while the company is still reviewing allegations of anti-gay behavior, it also maintains that some details of the New York blogger’s account were incorrect. Hilowitz went on to explain that the gay employee in question was undergoing an employee review and left his position with the company of his own accord.

No information has been released regarding plans for disciplinary action against the employees who purportedly voiced anti-gay sentiments at the New York Starbucks.