Starbucks: Protesters Influenced by "Misinformation on Social Media"

The coffee company "Starbucks" stated that protesters against the company regarding its stance on the war between Israel and Hamas are "influenced by misinformation on social media" about the company's positions. The company's CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, mentioned in a message to employees on Tuesday that "many Starbucks stores have experienced acts of vandalism," explaining that the company is working with local authorities to ensure the safety of its workers and customers. The coffee chain is one of several Western brands facing pressure from consumers demanding that companies take a stand on the war between Israel and Hamas. Starbucks, based in Seattle, filed a lawsuit against a labor union representing thousands of coffee workers in about 360 U.S. stores after the union briefly posted a statement on social media. At that time, the company stated that the union's statement "reflects support for the violence perpetrated by Hamas." The company also stated at that time that it "strongly condemns acts of terrorism, hate, and violence," adding that it "strongly opposes the views expressed by the union."