Chairman of Anheuser-Busch The beer has responded to the buzz over the brand’s recent collaboration with a transgender social media influencer, noting that the company aims to “bring people together through a beer.”
“We don’t want to be part of a debate that divides people,” CEO Brendan Whitworth wrote in a statement Friday afternoon. “Moving forward, I will work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our country.”
The statement comes after receiving backlash for partnering with the beer company TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney To promote a competition.
In a video posted on Mulvaney’s InstagramThe transgender influencer shows off a personalized Bud Light can with an image of her face printed on the front and discusses the company’s $15,000 giveaway tied to March Madness.
Some conservatives called for a boycott of Bud Light beer after the video was released.
Musician Kid Rock posted a video on Twitter of himself shooting cans of Bud Light, and country artist Travis Tritt said. He would ban Anheuser-Busch products From his tour.
The backlash comes amid a surge in anti-alternative legislation.
In the past, Anheuser-Busch has received backlash for donating to lawmakers who discriminate against transgender people. Stonewall Inn, a prominent LGBTQ bar in New York City, said it will no longer serve beer from Anheuser-Busch during NYC Pride in 2021.
‘I’m an easy target’
Mulvaney faced backlash for his partnership with Nike. The athletic brand asked people on social media Be kind and inclusive when stating that messages containing hate speech and bullying will be deleted.
Mulvaney didn’t mention Bud Light’s setback, however Discussed getting reviews It aired on an episode of iHeartRadio’s “Onward with Rosie O’Donnell” podcast earlier this week.
“I am, and the reason I think I’m an easy target is because I’m so new to this.” she said on the podcast. “I think it’s very difficult to follow a transgender person who has been doing this for 20 years. So I guess they think I have a chance.
Dig deeper:
You can follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter @bailey_schulz And subscribe to us Free Daily Money Newsletter is here Every Monday through Friday for personal financial tips and business news.
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”