Bud Light is facing backlash after sponsoring a post on trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s Instagram account to promote their March Madness contest. The partnership has garnered criticism from some individuals who have condemned Bud Light for their association with a trans woman. Videos have surfaced online of people pouring out or destroying cans of Bud Light in protest.
Responding to the controversy, Anheuser-Busch’s CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement defending their partnership with Mulvaney. He reiterated the company’s commitment to bringing people together over a beer and explained that the sponsorship was not intended to divide people.
Whitworth also noted that Bud Light and its parent company have a longstanding history of supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and events. They have partnered with GLAAD for various initiatives, including the release of a rainbow aluminum bottle to celebrate World Pride in 2019.
However, the backlash against Bud Light’s partnership with Mulvaney highlights the increasingly hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States. In a recent podcast interview, Mulvaney discussed how she has watched the climate become more threatening since she began her transition during the pandemic. She expressed concern that anything related to trans issues could be used against her.
Despite the criticism, Bud Light remains firm in its support for the LGBTQ+ community. The company believes that it is important to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics, including working with influencers such as Mulvaney. Moving forward, Bud Light will continue to prioritize bringing great beers to consumers across the nation.
The controversy surrounding the partnership between Bud Light and Mulvaney serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. It also highlights the importance of companies like Anheuser-Busch standing up for what they believe in and supporting diversity and inclusion in their marketing campaigns.