Danny Gonzales Starbucks Controversy

Overview

The Danny Gonzales Starbucks Controversy refers to criticism towards YouTuber and TikToker Danny Gonzales after a Starbucks coffee cup was spotted by netizens on the creator's table in his latest video posted in mid-May 2024. Fans subsequently criticized the YouTuber's lack of a stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict and for buying the coffee, as Starbucks was facing numerous boycotts across the world in 2024 for allegedly supporting and even funding the Israeli government. On the same day, Gonzales posted an apology text on YouTube stating his support for Palestine.

Background

On May 20th, 2024, YouTuber^[1] Danny Gonzales uploaded a video titled "Recreating Insane DadToks," which mostly focused on the YouTuber trying to imitate funny dad TikTok videos. At minute 4:21 of the video, a half-empty Starbucks coffee cup is used to support his phone while he tries to recreate a viral video (shown below). The video amassed more than 1 million views and 99,000 likes in a day.

Developments

Starbucks Cup Criticism

Shortly after the video was uploaded, some fans of the creator started to spot the Starbucks coffee cup and criticize the lack of position from Gonzales about the Israel-Hamas war.

For instance, on May 21st, 2024, TikTok^[2] user @flowinggbrooke posted a video captioned "me when I'm watching a recent Danny Gonzales vid and spot the Starbucks cup in frame." The video (seen below) received roughly 740 plays and 40 likes in less than a day.

Danny Gonzale's Response

On May 21st, 2024, Gonzales posted a statement on YouTube^[3] apologizing for the Starbucks cup and his "ignorance on the boycott." He also mentioned he "will do better in the future" and shared an Instagram post to "learn and support the people of Palestine." The apology (seen below) amassed over 53,000 likes in less than a day. (shown below).

Online Reactions

The controversy and apology were largely met with criticism after it was uploaded in mid-May 2024. Some fans also commented on his video defending the content creator, like user @JDE830,^[4] who said "Those who say Danny supports genocide because he got a cup of coffee know that you are losing yourselves in your cause." The comment (shown below, top) received more than 200 likes in less than a day.

Also on May 21st, 2024, YouTube^[4] user @OwlBard^[5] commented on Gonzales' video "How half these comments are acting like he's deliberately showing off his Starbucks cup as an act of malice and genocide support." The comment amassed roughly 14 likes in less than a day. (shown below, right)

Redditors also mentioned the Starbucks cup controversy, as user @Admirable-Hand7701^[6] posted on May 20th, a still image from Gonzales' video showing the coffee cup (seen below) and the caption "Well isn’t this disappointing? He literally has friends supporting Palestine and speaking up about it." The post amassed 36 comments in a day.

Search Interest

External References