Teen Customer Denied Request to Name Teddy After Slain Conservative Figure at Build-A-Bear

A teenage girl’s attempt to personalize a teddy bear by naming it after her role model was rejected at a Build-A-Bear Workshop in Washington state. The 16-year-old, Evi McCormick, wanted to recognize her admiration for the recently deceased conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, by putting his name on the bear’s birth certificate. However, the store manager refused, citing company policies against giving “indecent or distasteful names” to the furry friends.

William McCormick’s mother, Amber, recounted how her daughter was upset when the manager refused her request and then crumpled up the bear’s birth certificate — a paper typically handed to customers during purchase — and discarded it in front of her. Struggling to maintain her composure, Evi handed her debit card to a friend to pay for the bear, usually priced between $16 and $48, and left the store without completing the purchase.

“It was uncomfortable for everyone,” said Kailie Lang, Evi’s friend who witnessed the incident. The family later contacted Build-A-Bear’s corporate office, where they were offered a $20 gift card as compensation. The company also promised to retrain their staff in an effort to prevent similar conflicts and keep politics out of the shopping experience.

Amber McCormick expressed disappointment that her daughter’s tribute to Kirk, who was shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, was dismissed. “She wanted to honor him because she found him to be a role model — he spoke with such eloquence,” she said. The incident left the family feeling hurt, especially as Kirk, a rising star in conservative politics, was tragically killed during an event on September 10.

Despite the ordeal, Evi’s admiration remains unchanged. She described Kirk as someone who inspired her, emphasizing her respect for his words and character during a difficult time.