Climate activist glues leaves to her face inside busy coffee shop to protest global warming

Benjamin Rank

18 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

A woman shocked coffee shop customers when she suddenly pulled out a tube of superglue and started attaching autumn leaves to her face.

Woman with autumn leaves glued to her face sitting in a coffee shop

Morning Coffee Turns Into Bizarre Protest Scene

The incident happened at the busy Bean & Brew coffee shop in Portland during the morning rush hour. Customers were quietly sipping their lattes when things took an unexpected turn.

Sarah Matthews, 24, who calls herself an "eco-performance artist," walked in wearing all green clothing and carrying a bag full of fallen leaves.

"Everyone was just trying to get their morning coffee when this woman started making these weird announcements about becoming one with the trees," said barista Mike Chen.

Customers looking confused as woman applies leaves to her face in coffee shop

The Performance Begins

Matthews pulled out industrial-strength adhesive and began carefully gluing maple and oak leaves to her cheeks and forehead.

"Mother Earth is crying!" witnesses report her shouting. "If we don't become part of nature, there will be no nature left!"

"I'm not just protesting climate change – I'm becoming the change. Every leaf on my face represents a forest we're losing."

Police Called As Situation Escalates

Store manager Jenny Thompson tried to ask Matthews to leave, but the activist had already glued herself to her chair.

Local police arrived within 15 minutes but seemed unsure how to handle the unusual situation.

The Big Reveal

After two hours of what Matthews called her "eco-metamorphosis," medical personnel had to be called to safely remove the leaves from her face.

The glue had caused minor skin irritation, and Matthews was treated at the scene.

Police later revealed that Matthews had previously staged similar protests, including one where she covered herself in recycled plastic bottles at a supermarket.

Coffee Shop Responds

Bean & Brew released a statement supporting environmental awareness but condemning disruptive protests that "prevent other customers from enjoying their morning coffee."

The incident has sparked debate on social media, with many questioning the effectiveness of such extreme protest methods.

Matthews was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and banned from all Bean & Brew locations. She later posted on social media that she plans to "continue spreading awareness through creative demonstrations."

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