Anheuser-Busch Counts Cost After Transgender Influencer Dylan Mulvaney Promo For Bud Light

Anheuser-Busch CEO, Brendan Whitworth, has finally responded to the controversy sparked by Bud Light’s media campaign featuring transgender activist, Dylan Mulvaney, which led to some conservative commentators and celebrities boycotting Bud Light beer.

Whitworth issued a response to the boycott, saying that “As the CEO of a company founded in America’s heartland more than 165 years ago, I am responsible for ensuring every consumer feels proud of the beer we brew. We’re honored to be part of the fabric of this country.”

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“Anheuser-Busch employs more than 18,000 people and our independent distributors employ an additional 47,000 valued colleagues. We have thousands of partners, millions of fans and a proud history supporting our communities, military, first responders, sports fans and hard-working Americans everywhere,” Whitworth continued. “We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer.”

“My time serving this country taught me the importance of accountability and the values upon which America was founded: freedom, hard work and respect for one another. As CEO of Anheuser-Busch, I am focused on building and protecting our remarkable history and heritage. I care deeply about this country, this company, our brands and our partners. I spend much of my time traveling across America, listening to and learning from our customers, distributors and others,” Whitworth said. “Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation.”

The backlash was sparked after Mulvaney took to Instagram to share that Bud Light had sent her a beer “can with my face on it,” as part of Anheuser-Busch’s March Madness contest, and celebrating Mulvaney’s one year of womanhood. Posting a clip of her drinking beer and announcing her partnership with Bud Light, Mulvaney wrote “Happy March Madness!! Just found out this had to do with sports and not just saying it’s a crazy month! In celebration of this sports thing @budlight is giving you the chance to win $15,000! Share a video with #EasyCarryContest for a chance to win!! Good luck! #budlightpartner.”

Anheuser-Busch occasionally gifts custom-made cans to celebrate personal milestones and works with many influencers.

According to an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson, they work “with hundreds of influencers across our brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics. From time to time we produce unique commemorative cans for fans and for brand influencers, like Dylan Mulvaney. This commemorative can was a gift to celebrate a personal milestone and is not for sale to the general public.”