Starbucks employee serves LA sheriff's deputy coffee with hand-drawn pig on cup

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an incident where a deputy was served a Starbucks coffee cup featuring a hand-drawn image of a pig over the weekend. 

What we know:

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the LASD reported that a deputy at the Starbucks coffee shop located at Firestone and Pioneer in Norwalk was served a drink with a pig hand-drawn on the cup. 

The department noted that the image is a common derogatory symbol used to demean law enforcement officers. 

After discovering the drawing, the deputy immediately reported the situation to the store manager, who said the incident would be investigated.

What they're saying:

Sheriff Robert Luna personally contacted the coffee company’s corporate security division to express his concerns with corporate leadership, condemning the act as a move that undermines public safety and community trust. 

The LASD issued a formal statement in response that stated, "This action was extremely offensive, inappropriate and unacceptable. Acts that promote hostility and division toward law enforcement undermine community trust and public safety."

The other side:

Starbucks has since apologized, stating the drawing was intended to resemble the "John Pork" internet meme and was not meant to be given to a customer.

In a statement to FOX 11, Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson called the incident "unacceptable," adding that the company has a "deep appreciation and respect for law enforcement." 

"Every customer should always be made to feel welcome in our stores," Anderson added. 

Starbucks reported that they attempted to resolve the issue with the deputy on-site and have since terminated the employee involved, clarifying that the drawing was originally intended as an internal morale booster for staff rather than for a customer.

Dig deeper:

John Pork is a viral virtual influencer depicted as a 3D-rendered, humanoid pig wearing human clothing. First appearing on Instagram in 2018, the character is known for his "uncanny" and surreal appearance.

He became a massive TikTok sensation through the "John Pork is Calling" meme, where creators used fake iPhone call screens to make it appear as though John Pork was contacting them.

Local perspective:

This Starbucks location is not represented by the union, according to Starbucks.