A Build-A-Bear employee refuses to put Charlie Kirk's name on a bear's birth certificate

Build-A-Bear Refuses to Let Teen Name Bear After Charlie Kirk

A recent incident at the popular Build-A-Bear store in Seattle has highlighted how political tensions are seeping into even the most innocent and family-friendly spaces. Sixteen-year-old Evie McCormick visited Southcenter Mall with friends to enjoy a fun and lighthearted activity: creating her own teddy bear.

What should have been a simple, joyful experience quickly turned uncomfortable and politically charged. Evie chose to honor Charlie Kirk, a young conservative leader and public figure who has inspired her for years on social media. Excitedly, she wanted to name her bear after him, following Build-A-Bear's longstanding tradition of printing chosen names on the bear's birth certificates—a practice that has been part of the brand for decades.

The issue arose when a store employee refused Evie's request. According to the teen, the employee explicitly stated that she did not support Charlie Kirk and therefore would not allow the bear to carry his name. "We’re not doing this," the employee said, folding the certificate and leaving it on the counter. Evie completed her purchase anyway, determined that this unfair decision would not stop her from celebrating the influence of her favorite conservative figure.

Following the incident, Evie’s family contacted the store manager and later the Build-A-Bear corporate office. Though they initially faced vague responses and long hold times on the phone, the company eventually acknowledged that the situation should not have occurred and issued formal apologies. The company promised to retrain staff to ensure store policies are applied without personal bias, especially in a child-centered environment.

This event underscores a growing pattern in which even spaces designed for entertainment and children are caught up in contemporary politics. Evie and her family emphasize that their intention was never to spark a political debate in the store; they simply wanted to honor someone who has deeply inspired them. Yet the employee’s intervention turned a personal, joyful moment into an awkward situation, demonstrating how personal beliefs can interfere in family-oriented businesses.

Evie’s parents and the teen hope this incident serves as a lesson in today’s political climate: respect for others’ beliefs should be universal, even in environments where politics should be irrelevant, such as a toy store. Build-A-Bear has pledged measures to ensure future customers are not blocked from making legitimate name choices for their stuffed animals.

At a time when society seems to polarize even the simplest gestures, this case reminds us that neutrality and respect in public settings are essential for maintaining safe, welcoming spaces for all, regardless of political leanings.

#BuildABear #CharlieKirk #FreedomOfChoice #Conservatives #PoliticalCulture #Seattle #Respect #CustomerRights #ToyStore #Family