Key facts
- Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson admitted to purchasing a latte from Starbucks.
- Wilson previously urged residents to boycott Starbucks.
- Wilson stated her past boycott comments "caused more harm than good".
- Starbucks is closing multiple stores in Seattle.
- Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz criticized Wilson's "socialist rhetoric".
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, who had previously encouraged residents to boycott Starbucks, has admitted to purchasing a latte from the company. During an interview with FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim, Wilson stated, "I guess I broke my boycott." She also commented that her earlier boycott calls "caused more harm than good" amidst ongoing criticism regarding Seattle's business environment. Starbucks has announced several store closures in Seattle, including the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz criticized Mayor Wilson's "socialist rhetoric" in an op-ed, accusing her of vilifying employers. Starbucks is investing $100 million and creating 2,000 jobs in Nashville, Tennessee, while also laying off 61 employees from its technology department.