Anheuser-Busch Has Lost $1.4 Billion Due To Bud Light Boycott Over Trans Influence Dylan Mulvaney

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Belgian multinational drink and brewing company, suffered a potential loss of $1.4 billion in revenue due to the social media-driven boycott against Bud Light in 2023.

Even though Anheuser-Busch InBev had reported record revenues for 2023, they claimed that its growth potential was hindered by its U.S. business.

Sales in that area were negatively affected by a boycott of Bud Light following a sponsored Instagram post with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer.

A large share of Bud Light’s consumer base stopped buying their beer in early April 2023, when Mulvaney shared the sponsored post of a custom Bud Light can Anheuser-Busch sent her to celebrate “365 Days of Girlhood,” which she opened in honor of March Madness.

Speaking about the hateful comments she received, Mulvaney said, “I was nervous that you were going to start believing those things that they were saying about me since it is so loud. But I’m just gonna go ahead and trust that the people who know me and my heart won’t listen to that noise.”

The company announced a decrease in Bud Light sales in the United States as a primary factor contributing to the billion-dollar reduction in revenue in North America.

As a result, Bud Light, which held the title of America’s top-selling beer for over 20 years, experienced a large decline in sales, allowing Mexican lager Modelo Especial to gain the top spot one month later.

Seth Weathers, the alt-right CEO of “woke-free” beer brand Conservative Dad, also mentioned that he is hoping to capitalize on Bud Light’s downfall.

“Conservatives want options for companies that truly support their values,” Weathers told Fox Business. “Conservative Dad’s Ultra Right Beer will proudly continue to be that option!”

Ultra Right had teamed up with Riley Gaines, a women’s sports activist and, in doing so, raised thousands of dollars for her center in order to protect women’s sports.

Anheuser-Busch had reported annual revenue of $59.38 billion, a 7.8% increase, meaning they fell short of analysts’ expectations. Volumes sold were reduced by 1.7%, with beer brands witnessing a 2.3% decline. Core profit (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or EBITDA) rose by 7% annually to about $20 billion, which was somewhat below forecast.

Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris claimed that the results were a “testament to the strength of the beer category, resilience of our business and people, consistent execution of our replicable growth drivers and our unwavering commitment to invest for long-term growth and value creation.”

While these challenges continue, Anheuser-Busch InBev’s China business experienced profits rising 32% thanks to the success of premium products.

In late April 2023, Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO, Brendan Whitworth, responded to the controversy sparked by Bud Light’s media campaign featuring Mulvaney, which caused conservative commentators and celebrities to boycott this beer.

“I am responsible for ensuring every consumer feels proud of” the beer that the company brews and it is proud to be a part of this country. Whitworth pointed out that Anheuser-Busch never intended “to be included in a discussion which divides individuals as they want their beer to bring people together.”

The CEO brought up that her time in the United States taught the company “the importance of accountability and the values upon which America was founded,” and these values include freedom, hard work and respect for each other.

Whitworth stated that the company “care[s] deeply about this country, this company, our brands and our partners” and that he spent plenty of his time “traveling across America, listening to and learning from our customers, distributors and others.” He promised that he would keep working hard to work tirelessly to give good beers to consumers across America.

In October, Dana White, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president, declared that it chose Bud Light as its sponsor for the next six years with a $100 million deal.

White said in a statement that he “chose to go with Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light,” mostly because he believes that he and the company have similar core values and stances.

Conservative fans ridiculed him right away for giving Bud Light a platform. Many said he was a “sellout” and called for a boycott of UFC events.

When asked about the controversy, White called the protesting fans “dummies,” “a——-” and “f—ing stupid” for opposing him. He scoffed at fans calling the deal “all about money,” noting that “of course” all sponsorship deals are “about money.”

In October, Mulvaney drew more controversy when she was named “Woman Of The Year” by Attitude magazine.