Gay bars in Chicago are boycotting Anheuser-Busch beer products over a statement from the company’s CEO distancing the brand from transgender TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney.
Bud Light sales have plummeted following a controversial ad campaign with Mulvaney, who has drawn criticism for what some say is a demeaning depiction of womanhood in his “Days of Girlhood” social media videos. Mulvaney, a biological male, has posted several videos to social media promoting Bud Light. The beer company also sent Mulvaney a customized beer can commemorating his “365 Days of Girlhood.”
Scrambling to undo the damage, Bud Light is reportedly offering free beer to distributors to apologize for their partnership with Mulvaney. Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company, has also fired the third party advertising agency responsible for the controversial partnership. (RELATED: ‘Fealty And Total Agreement’: Pro-Gay Musician Slams Trans Movement After Pride Parade Rescinds Invitation)
Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, told investors during an earnings call Thursday that the partnership was “one post and not a campaign.”
“We believe we have the experience, the resources and the partners to manage this. And our four-year growth outlook is unchanged,” Doukeris said, according to Fox Business. “We want to reiterate our support for our wholesaler partners and everyone who brings our great beers to the market. I can tell you that we have the agility, resources and people to support the U.S. team and move forward.”
I’m not sure if most people fully appreciate the significance of this Bud Light stuff. We made an iconic American brand toxic, virtually overnight, because it endorsed gender ideology. This is a pivotal moment. A map to follow going forward.
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) May 5, 2023
“We will continue to learn, meet the moment in time, all be stronger and we work tirelessly to do what we do best: Bring people together over a beer and creating a future of more cheers,” he added.
“In view of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s abandonment of its support of transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, the subsequent reprehensible and divisive comments by its CEO, and Anheuser-Busch putting on involuntary leave at least two marketing executives involved in the marketing campaign that celebrated Mulvaney’s transgender journey, 2Bears Tavern Group is discontinuing all Anheuser-Busch InBev products, including Busch Light, Bud Light, and Goose Iland 312,” one bar company, which own four LGBT bars in Chicago. wrote on Instagram.
Anheuser-Busch has put two marketing executives on leave since the fiasco, including one who went viral for slamming the beer company’s customer base for their “fratty” image. Leaked photos exclusively obtained by the Daily Caller show Bud Light marking executive Alissa Gordon Heinerscheid partaking in the same fratty culture she appeared to criticize.
Side Track Bar in Chicago also issued a statement via Instagram blasting Anheuser-Busch for their actions in the wake of the controversy.
“Until Anheuser-Busch can clearly demonstrate that they will not acquiesce to the voices of hate that wish to erase the LGBTQ+ existence, Sidetrack will continue to boycott their products,” the famous gay bar wrote. “Until then, Sidetrack will continue to partner with brands that work to give back to the LGBTQ+ Community and lift the voices of all its members.”