The Starbucks red cups are at the centre of a BIZARRE online feud

Nov 9, 2015

For many coffee junkies, the arrival of the Starbucks red holiday cups heralds the arrival of the festive season – even if they do launch in early November.

Every year the coffee giant introduces a new design for the cups, to go along with winter-themed drinks like Toffee Nut Lattes, Almond Hot Chocolates and Peppermint Mochas.

The 2015 cup design is the company's most minimal one yet, but it's already causing huge controversy online.

Why? Some conservative Christian groups are suggesting that Starbucks' plain red ombré cups – with no stars, Santas or trees in sight – are an attempt to "whitewash" Christmas.

"The Red Cups are now an anti-Christmas symbol," writes journalist Raheem Kasan.

"Subliminally, [customers are] being told/reminded that this time of the year is no longer about Christmas."

Starbucks, on the other hand, says their plain red cups are a "more open way to usher in the holiday."

Some angry Twitter users have gotten on board with Raheem's view on social media, announcing plans to "boycott" Starbucks and calling the new cups a "war on Christmas."

A few have even said they'll tell employees their name is "Merry Christmas" to force them to write it on the cup.

@Starbucks can take ur plain red cups & shove them up ur #liberal asses! I'll never step foot in a #starbucks again. #coffee #Christmas

— AnneMarie (@LibertyBelle68) November 7, 2015

Last time I will ever be seen in a starblucks was last week…War On Christmas: Starbucks https://t.co/9FbJhMnfuD via @BreitbartNews

— Alan (@arknightdale) November 7, 2015