Michael Malarkey, best known for his role as Enzo St John in The Vampire Diaries, has sparked an online frenzy after urging fans to boycott Starbucks.
The 41-year-old actor made headlines when he publicly refused to drink Starbucks coffee on stage, despite the brand sponsoring the event. In a viral video, Malarkey is seen inspecting the cup before discarding it, expressing his disapproval.
“Sorry, I didn’t realise that was Starbucks coffee. I do not drink Starbucks Coffee. I boycott Starbucks, and you all should too,” says Michael Malarkey eliciting loud applause and cheers from the audience.
The chain has more than 35,000 branches around the world in 86 countries, including more than 9,000 branches in the United States of America.
The popular beverage has faced billions in losses and declining stock prices since October 7, 2023, due to boycott campaigns worldwide, particularly in Arab countries, for allegedly aiding Israel for military cause amid aggression in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Its shares fell after sales numbers declined by more than 1 per cent, which is the company’s largest loss since its IPO in 1992.
