Turkish TV news anchor fired for 'pro-Israel' Starbucks cup on camera
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An award-winning Turkey-based television news anchor was fired after she appeared on camera with a Starbucks cup on her desk, an action deemed as hurting the sentiments of the people in the predominantly Muslim country, where the Seattle-based company is considered to be pro-Israel.
Meltem Gunay, a 45-year-old veteran journalist and TV newscaster with TGRT Haber, and the program director were promptly dismissed after the Sunday broadcast, as reported by the Turkish television conglomerate.
The Istanbul-based media company in a statement said, it “has an understanding that knows the sensitivities of the Turkish people regarding Gaza and defends them to the end.” “We do not approve of this action of the presenter and director, whose employment contracts were terminated, and we strongly condemn it.”
As per the statement, the anchor and the director of the newscast were "terminated for just cause" after they were found to have "acted contrary to this principle."
Over the past weeks, coffee enthusiasts throughout Turkey have launched a widespread boycott against Starbucks, alleging the company's perceived bias towards Israel, as asserted by pro-Palestinian sympathizers.
Viral videos circulating on social media show protesters rallying outside Starbucks outlets, encouraging customers to avoid supporting the coffee giant.
Historically, Turkey, a crucial NATO member, maintained an alliance with Israel during the rule of secularist governments. However, under the current leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ankara has adopted a more confrontational stance towards Israel.
Meanwhile, Starbucks in the US is on the defensive, facing criticism on social media from unionized workers criticising Israel and conveying sympathy for the Palestinians.
Last week, Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan blamed “misrepresentation on social media of what we stand for” in a letter that appeared to address recent controversies over the coffee chain's stance on Israel and Hamas.
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