In a continued right-wing uproar over a Bud Light advertisement featuring trans TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has called for a federal investigation into the beer company’s advertising practices. The controversy ignited earlier this year when Mulvaney received a personalized can of Bud Light to commemorate her public transition journey, leading to a wave of backlash.
The aftermath witnessed acts of vandalism, with individuals smashing Bud Light cans in stores, and even musician Kid Rock engaging in a provocative display of shooting the cans with an assault weapon. Some bars also refused to sell the beer, citing religious beliefs. The furor reached such proportions that controversial podcast host Joe Rogan felt compelled to defend Mulvaney, questioning the undue significance placed on the issue.
On Fox News, Cruz asserted that Mulvaney’s content appeals to teenagers and accused Bud Light, along with parent company Anheuser-Busch, of advertising their beer to minors. He called on the Beer Institute to investigate the extent to which Anheuser-Busch knowingly targeted children through this ill-conceived marketing attempt.
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee joined Cruz in addressing their concerns in a letter to the CEO of Anheuser-Busch, who also serves as the chair of the regulatory body, the Beer Institute. The letter, which repeatedly misgenders Mulvaney, demanded Bud Light sever its relationship with her and urged the TikTok star to issue a public apology while deleting any content featuring the beer brand from her social media accounts.
The letter further emphasized the need for Congress to exercise detailed oversight, criticizing Anheuser-Busch’s alleged failure to conduct appropriate due diligence when selecting online influencers for their marketing campaigns.
Mulvaney herself spoke out against the intense transphobic backlash surrounding the beer ad, revealing that she had taken a break from social media to allow the hatred to subside. However, she recently made a return, acknowledging her substantial following and expressing her determination to connect with those who appreciate her presence.
Despite the negative reactions from some quarters, a poll indicates that a majority of American beer drinkers, accounting for 53 percent, would view favorably a brand that collaborates with a trans spokesperson. This finding suggests a growing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ representation within mainstream advertising.
As the debate unfolds, the clash between free expression, corporate responsibility, and inclusivity remains at the forefront, leaving both Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney caught in the crosshairs of a contentious societal discussion.