Anheuser-Busch, makers of Bud Light and Budweiser, among other beer brands, was blasted on social media over the weekend following an attempt to re-introduce the company as a wholesome brand focused primarily on traditional America after suffering significant fallout from partnering with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
CEO Brendan Whitworth’s statement on the matter was heavily criticized across the political spectrum for its perceived weakness, adding to the already intense backlash the company was facing.
The company released a new ad featuring one of the Budweiser Clydesdales galloping across America.
“Let me tell you a story about a beer rooted in the heart of America,” the narrator in the ad says. “Found in the community where a handshake is a sure contract. Brewed from those who found opportunity and challenge and hope in tomorrow.”
“Raised by generations willing to sit, share, risk, remember,” the narrator continues. “This is a story bigger than beer. This is the story of the American spirit.”
SEE IT:
— Budweiser (@budweiserusa) April 14, 2023
But despite the effort, the ad was widely panned online.
“Sorry… this ship has already sailed,” UFC fighter Tim Kennedy noted on Twitter. “You should’ve supported the hard-working middle class that once were proud to kick back after a long day of work.”
“They are doubling down on their pro American marketing efforts in an attempt to get people to forget their blunder,” another account remarked. “Smart play Budweiser but it’s not going to work.”
Attorney Philip Holloway added: “Don’t look now @AnheuserBusch @budweiserusa but the Clydesdale has already left the barn. The train has sailed, the ship has left the station.”
“My favorite advertisement by a mile was the Clydesdales after 9/11. It was absolute perfection. After your embrace of the trans agenda, glorifying a man looking for his 15 mins of fame by mocking women. I will never buy, drink or serve your beer again. #BoycottAnheuserBusch,” another user wrote.
Political operative Jake Schneider tweeted, “Lol so after weeks of hemorrhaging support, Budweiser releases an ad featuring: Clydesdales, farms, dirt roads, fields, Grand Canyon, St. Louis Arch, Main Street, firefighters, veterans, flags, Lincoln Memorial, tractors, trucks, baseball caps, and the Freedom Towers.”
Lol so after weeks of hemorrhaging support, Budweiser releases an ad featuring: Clydesdales, farms, dirt roads, fields, Grand Canyon, St. Louis Arch, Main Street, firefighters, veterans, flags, Lincoln Memorial, tractors, trucks, baseball caps, and the Freedom Towers. https://t.co/HDL7dP1zMc
— Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) April 16, 2023
Earlier, Whitworth released a statement about Bud Light’s contentious collaboration, but he refrained from mentioning Mulvaney, transgenderism, or providing an apology to upset customers.
“We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people,” Whitworth said in a statement issued on Friday. “We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer.”
He added that he is responsible “for ensuring every consumer feels proud of the beer we brew” and that the company gladly and proudly supports “our communities, military, first responders, sports fans, and hard-working Americans everywhere.” The CEO went on to say he spends a lot of time “listening to and learning from our customers, distributors, and others.”
But the statement did not directly tackle the matter that plunged the company into a 13-day public relations crisis – the partnership with a man who gained internet popularity by impersonating a woman for a year.
