Protesters gathered Sunday outside of a Starbucks in Philadelphia, where police arrested two black men Thursday, drawing accusations of racial profiling.
The demonstration began around noon outside the City Center Starbucks, with protesters carrying megaphones and signs that read "Too Little Too Latte," and "#Enough/Shame On Your Starbucks." Some social media users have begun using the hashtag #BoycottStarbucks in posts about the arrest.
On Saturday, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson released a statement offering "our deepest apologies" to the two men who were handcuffed and taken out of the café by police last week. Johnson also declared a company "goal of doing whatever we can to make things right," and said he hoped "to meet personally with the two men who were arrested to offer a face-to-face apology."
Police say Starbucks employees called 911 alleging disturbance and trespassing by two customers. When police arrived, two Starbucks employees told them two men had asked to use the restroom but were told they couldn't because they hadn't purchased anything. The men allegedly refused to leave after being asked by Starbucks employees. Police also say the two men refused to leave after being asked three times by officers, and were then arrested.
