The CEO of Anheuser-Busch publicly responded for the first time to controversy surrounding a partnership between his company’s Bud Light beer brand and a transgender social media influencer.
“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,” Brendan Whitworth said. “We’re honored to be part of the fabric of this country.”
“We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer,” Whitworth continued, stopping short of apologizing. “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.”
“Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation,” Whitworth concluded.
Trans TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney revealed Bud Light’s sponsorship in a series of videos on April 1. In one video, Mulvaney touted Bud Light cans featuring the influencer’s surgically feminized face. The company created the cans, which were not available for purchase, to celebrate Mulvaney’s “365 Days of Girlhood.” In another video, Mulvaney luxuriated in a bubble bath while sipping Bud Light.
Two days later, Bud Light defended its partnership with Mulvaney from brewing backlash, saying in a statement, “Anheuser-Busch works with hundreds of influencers across our brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics.”
Anheuser-Busch has lost several billion dollars in market capitalization during the controversy.
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