Actor and noted animal rights activist James Cromwell glued his hand to the counter of a Starbucks in New York City on Tuesday in protest, saying the company charges more for plant-based milk alternatives.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, posted live video on social media, showing Cromwell, 82, the star of the "Babe" movies and HBO's "Succession," voicing his concerns while wearing a “Free the Animals” T-shirt.
Starbucks customers pay more for drinks if they ask for a plant-based alternative to milk, Cromwell said.
"There's no reason for it except greed," Cromwell told customers. "Will you stop charging more for vegan milk? When will you stop raking in huge profits while customers, animals and the environment suffer?"
Cromwell also said Starbucks is guilty of enforcing a “senseless up-charge” against customers seeking a milk alternative.
A representative for the coffee juggernaut admitted that non-dairy alternatives to drinks often do come at "an additional cost."
"This is similar to other beverage customizations, such as an additional espresso shot or syrup, and the pricing varies market by market," according to a company statement.
"However, customers can add a splash of non-dairy milk to Brewed Coffee, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew and Americano beverages free of charge."
Cromwell, who was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for the first "Babe" film in 1995 and starred in the 1997 best picture nominee "L.A. Confidential," glued his hand to the counter of the Starbucks on Broadway between West 39th and 40th streets.
He decried the practice of separating dairy cows from their calves and then taking the milk that would have gone to nourishing the newborns.
"Mother cows cry for their infants for days," said Cromwell, who plays anti-capitalist Uncle Ewan Roy on the critically acclaimed "Succession."
"These mothers must endure the loss a child over and over again. They suffer no less than human mothers would."
Cromwell peeled his hand off the counter about half an hour after the protest began, the video shows. No one was arrested, PETA said.
