The popular coffee brand, Costa Coffee, is embroiled in controversy due to its portrayal of a transgender man who has undergone “top surgery” and bears scars.
Calls for Boycott Rise on Social Media
The hashtag #BoycottCostaCoffee gained traction as enraged users expressed their dismay over the image, with many accusing the company of glamourizing the “alteration of female bodies.”
Critics Raise Their Voices
Several individuals, including singer/songwriter Gareth Icke, Britain First chair Ashlea Simon, and Heritage Party leader David Kurten, openly criticized Costa Coffee for endorsing what they perceive as “breast mutilation.”
Sex Matters Organization Expresses Disapproval
Sex Matters, a human-rights organization, also voiced their condemnation of the image, deeming it “appalling and reckless.”
Costa Coffee Defends its Position
In response, Costa Coffee defended the image, stating that it is part of a larger mural created for Brighton and Hove Pride last year. The company firmly stands by the image as a celebration of “diversity.”
Dr. Martens Faces Similar Controversy
This controversy closely follows an incident involving the footwear brand Dr. Martens, which also faced backlash for featuring a transgender man with scars from top surgery in one of their designs.