Anheuser-Busch (BUD) -), the maker of Bud Light, has faced a backlash from some consumers who are boycotting the beer brand over its social media advertising partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
The ad showed Mulvaney featuring a Bud Light can with her image printed on it. The campaign was part of Bud Light's "Be Yourself" initiative, which aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
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The project sparked outrage. People posted videos on social media depicting them destroying Bud Light products in various ways, such as smashing, burning or shooting them.
One of the most viral videos was posted by musician Kid Rock, who used an automatic rifle to shoot up several cases of Bud Light.
The controversy also affected other companies that have shown support for LGBTQ+ issues, especially as June, the traditional Pride month, neared.
Target (TGT) -), Kohl's (KSS) -), Chick-fil-A, North Face, Adidas (ADDYY) -) and Nike (NKE) -) were among the brands that received criticism and threats of boycotts from some customers who accused them of being "woke."
Bud Light's Summer Music Tour Draws Criticism
Now, a summer music tour sponsored by Bud Light is under some scrutiny online.
Four bands are playing free shows in August in different American cities. On the tour, OneRepublic will play in Nashville, Midland has Oklahoma City, Dashboard Confessional will entertain St. Louis, and Bush gets Charlottesville.
"Ice up the beers, because the Bud Light Backyard tour is coming through," announced Bud Light's Twitter account. "RSVP and enter for a chance to win tickets, it's that easy."
Ice up the beers, because the Bud Light Backyard Tour is coming through 🍻
— Bud Light (@budlight) July 13, 2023
RSVP and enter for a chance to win tickets, it’s that easy: https://t.co/2p3jCuYiyR pic.twitter.com/ZXDiVTNNJx
Reaction on social media to the tweet involved some harsh words, perhaps indicating that the controversy is showing little sign of slowing down.
"RIP all those bands," tweeted user @dakroot.
"I feel terrible for all those artists, being associated with your brand," wrote @SilverCyanide2.
One Twitter user, however, seemed eager to offer an opinion about how the beer company should proceed in its public relations challenge.
"All you have to do is offer 100% of profits to disabled vets for a few weekends, especially long weekends," @OrryRobb suggested. "By Thanksgiving you will have won back Americans. Keep the brand patriotic thereafter and you're out of the doghouse."
Anheuser-Busch's Official Take on the Tour
The beer company released an announcement about the tour, explaining what it sees as its intent.
"This summer, Bud Light is building upon its 'Easy to Drink, Easy to Enjoy' platform by showing just how easy it is to enjoy the summer season," said Todd Allen, Vice President of Marketing for Bud Light. "We know summer concert experiences can sometimes be hard to enjoy between scoring coveted tickets and navigating large venues, which is why we are proud to introduce the Bud Light Backyard Tour, a summer tour that is easy to enjoy by bringing top artists and the best parts of the live music experience directly to local venues featuring intimate, backyard vibes across the country."
One of the bands involved in the tour also offered a public comment.
"Summer, country music, beer, and good times. Why wouldn’t we be there?" said country band Midland, about their participation in the tour.
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