Starbucks Faces Lawsuit Alleging Discriminatory Application of Restroom Policy

Shareholder and long-time rewards member files suit alleging Discrimination, Retaliation for Free Expression, False Reporting to Law Enforcement, Negligent Hiring, Supervision, and Training, Premises Liability, Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Defamation

TACOMA, Wash., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Joel Gabriel Johnson, a Starbucks Rewards member of over 20 years and shareholder of the company, has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks Corporation for alleged discriminatory application of its restroom policy, including Discrimination, Retaliation for Free Expression, False Reporting to Law Enforcement, Negligent Hiring, Supervision, and Training, Premises Liability, Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Defamation (Libel and Slander under Washington Law). The lawsuit, filed in Pierce County, WA Superior Court, details how Johnson, a slightly statured mixed heritage African American male, alleges to have been profiled, publicly humiliated, and retaliated against after being assaulted during an incident taking place on April 15, 2025, at a Starbucks store in Tacoma, Washington. This discriminatory treatment, the suit claims, constituted a denial of services on the basis of race in a Place of Public Accommodation.

What began as a routine trip to Starbucks quickly escalated into a life-altering traumatic event that Johnson alleges violated civil rights under Washington law. According to the complaint, Johnson entered the store to use the restroom and purchase a beverage. Although initially greeted politely by one employee, he was abruptly confronted by a white female employee who loudly demanded to know whether he intended to make a purchase — a declaration which Johnson asserts, is not typically directed at white patrons. Her tone was hostile, accusatory, and loud enough to draw attention from nearby customers.

Stunned, Johnson calmly sought to identify the employee to report her behavior and asked to speak with her supervisor. The shift supervisor — also a white female — abruptly ordered Johnson to leave the premises without cause. Outside the store, Johnson engaged in a lawful, vocal protest on the sidewalk, exercising his constitutional rights. His protest involved critical speech challenging Starbucks' practices but did not involve threats, violence, or obstruction.

Unfortunately, the situation escalated dangerously without provocation, when a white drive-thru customer exited his vehicle, physically assaulted Johnson, and threatened "to snap his neck" — language that Johnson insists can be considered a terroristic threat under Washington State Law.

Johnson immediately called 911 to report the assault. He briefly followed the assailant to maintain line of sight for responding officers, then returned to the vicinity of the store to await law enforcement, following dispatcher instructions. Moreover, unbeknownst to Johnson, Starbucks employees had already called 911 and made false reports portraying him as a threatening aggressor. Tacoma Police arrived, surrounding Johnson with gloves on, prepared to detain him. Officers refused to review video evidence captured of the assault and, relying solely on Starbucks' alleged false reports, coerced Johnson to sign a trespass order under duress.

Following the incident, Johnson submitted a formal complaint to Starbucks' corporate office. To date, Starbucks has failed to issue any apology or retraction; did not conduct an investigation of findings, or take corrective action. Although Starbucks publicly committed to diversity and inclusion initiatives following similar events in 2018, critics argue that the company failed to enact meaningful, systemic reforms.

Indeed, in 2025 Starbucks publicly announced policy reforms to require a purchase for use of its facilities including restrooms. Mr. Johnson's case, the complaint asserts, is the latest evidence of Starbucks' failure to root out racial bias at the operational level. 

The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks' actions caused deep emotional trauma for Johnson; and could jeopardize his foster care certification, a process requiring a flawless background; and may also impair his future aspirations in public service.

Johnson is seeking legal representation but is currently representing himself Pro Se in an effort to model taking civil action against this kind of unfair mistreatment. The suit draws into question Starbucks' new restroom policy, if applied unfairly and discriminatorily, is lawful.

In addition to the suit, Johnson has filed an internal affairs complaint with the Tacoma Police Department, filed a formal shareholder complaint with Starbucks Shareholder Relations investigating potential SEC violations.

Johnson has also called on the public to shut down Starbucks stores on Juneteenth, June 19, 2025 through nonviolent protest and boycott, using hashtags #NoJusticeNoCoffee and #ShutStarbucksDown. Supporters across cities will protest in front of Starbucks stores and demand justice. Learn more at nojusticenocoffee.com .

Contact:
Martin Levy
[email protected]
206.851.7256

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SOURCE Joel Gabriel Johnson