Hannah Montana fans have savagely slammed Starbucks for rolling out a controversial concoction, supposedly aimed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel hit.
The launch of the brand's new raspberry/açaí drink fell in line with the teen franchise's TV special, which landed on Disney+ earlier this week (24 Mar).
The streaming service special saw titular actress Miley Cyrus joined by several of her former co-stars, where they reflected on their favourite behind-the-scenes moments, two decades after the series first landed on screens.
In celebration of the group's long-awaited reunion, Starbucks announced plans to introduce a 'Hannah Montana-inspired' refresher, the central flavour of which would be raspberry.
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What several diehard fans of the show were quick to remember, however, was that Cyrus' character famously detested this flavour.
In fact, during one episode, Miley/Hannah endured an allergic reaction to a perfume containing the berry, becoming seriously unwell.
Taking to social media, one X user hit out: "The Loco Hot Cocoa was right there, but they decided to make a drink Hannah Montana herself would throw in the trash. I hate useless brands that don't even know how to steal money. Steal our money properly, that's ur only job."
Another added: "A raspberry drink for the girl who had a whole episode about a raspberry allergy? That’s not a collab, that’s an assassination attempt."
"Oh wow, Starbucks must really hate her," wrote a third.
A fourth demanded: "Is she not allergic to raspberries too??? Wasn’t that the whole point of the perfume episode?"
Approached for comment, bosses of the roaster directed Tyla to a promotional post for the sweet treat shared on Instagram.
In the caption of a video advertising the drink, they claimed it formed part of a wider 'raspberry saga', seemingly attempting to imply they'd been behind the controversy all along.
"For the fans who remember the raspberry saga, this one’s for you…" Starbucks' social media team wrote. "Hannah’s Secret Popstar Refresher is on the secret menu now."
The post also reminded followers: "Don’t miss the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiering March 24 on @disneyplus and @hulu."
Seemingly reiterating that the flavour of the iced drink was entirely purposeful, the official Disney Channel account commented: "The raspberry lore lives on!" Disney+'s official account also chimed in, penning: "This completes the circle."
Apparently, a number of the brand's followers got behind Starbucks' defence, with one writing: "Oh so it WAS on purpose, I see you."
Another added: "Slay with the marketing."
Tyla contacted Starbucks for further comment on the backlash.
Topics: Miley Cyrus, Celebrity, US News, Starbucks, Food and Drink, TV And Film, Entertainment
Rhianna Benson