“We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer,” said Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth in a statement released Friday.
Recently, the company’s Bud Light beer brand has been at the center of controversy due to its selecting transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney to be a brand ambassador.
In a video posted to Mulvaney’s Instagram, she cracks open a Bud Light and chats about March Madness before telling viewers “I love you.” Despite this positive message, the Bud Light-Mulvaney partnership has been met with an aggressive response from some, including entertainer Kid Rock and Rep.
Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas).
Rock shot three cases of Bud Light with a gun in a video. He said “F**k Bud Light and f**k Anheuser-Busch! Have a terrific day!” before firing.
Crenshaw also posted a video in which he said he would throw away all of his Anheuser-Busch products. His attempt was mocked when people pointed out that he had two beer brands owned by the company stocked in his fridge.
“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,” said Whitworth’s statement. “We’re honored to be part of the fabric of this country. 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 did not directly mention Mulvaney. He also did not mention Rock and Crenshaw’s messages.
“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,” he said.
Down the Audacy app and follow 97.1 FM Talk.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
Related
Related
