A Los Angeles jury awarded Michael Garcia $50 million in his lawsuit against Starbucks. The verdict stems from a 2020 incident where scalding hot tea spilled on Garcia, causing third-degree burns, nerve damage, and permanent genital injuries, leading to multiple surgeries and ongoing pain and PTSD. Starbucks, who maintains they are not at fault and plans to appeal, had offered a pre-trial settlement contingent on an apology and policy changes, which Garcia’s attorneys say was refused. The jury found Starbucks grossly negligent in its handling of the incident.
Read More
A new lawsuit against Starbucks alleges that its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives violate federal and state laws by prioritizing race and sex in hiring, leading to claims of discrimination and less-qualified employees. The Missouri Attorney General’s complaint mirrors criticisms that DEI programs unfairly favor certain groups over merit-based hiring. Starbucks denies these allegations, asserting its hiring practices are fair and inclusive. While the lawsuit connects DEI to higher prices and slower service, other factors like inflation and customization options are typically cited as the cause of these consumer complaints. The ongoing debate highlights a national discussion surrounding DEI programs and their potential impact on hiring practices.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker