The transgender-identifying influencer Dylan Mulvaney has broken silence over the ongoing boycott of Bud Light, which for several months has haunted the brewer after their decision to sponsor Mulvaney with a customized can last April.
In a recent video posted on Instagram, Mulvaney has expressed disappointment and shared the struggle with the backlash that followed the infamous partnership with Bud Light.
Mulvaney opened up about the severe criticism the TikTok star faced along with threats, and even public ridicule, to the point where the provocative beer marketer was scared to leave the house.
“I should have made this video months ago, but I didn’t. And I was scared. And I was scared of more backlash and I felt personally guilty for what transpired,” Mulvaney said. “So I patiently waited for things to get better. But surprise — they haven’t really. And I was waiting for the brand to reach out to me, but they never did.”
Moreover, Mulvaney was disappointed that Bud Light did not reach out following the start of the boycott, adding to a feeling of isolation and vulnerability. Mulvaney was staunchly critical of the company for allegedly refusing to give support, which Mulvaney claimed would embolden the forces of “hate.”
“For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse in my opinion than not hiring a trans person at all because it gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want,” Mulvaney said. “And the hate doesn’t end with me.”
This incident had severe consequences for Bud Light, both internally and externally. The marketing executives responsible for the decision to partner with Mulvaney — Group Vice President for Marketing Daniel Blake and Bud Light Marketing Vice President Alissa Heinerscheid — were reportedly fired from the company. Additionally, Bud Light experienced significant financial losses due to the boycott, which led to a drop in sales and displaced the brand from its status as America’s top-selling beer.
From a broader perspective, Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, has made statements in response to the controversy. CEO Brendan Whitworth has mentioned the company’s commitment to various communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, and emphasized the importance of the privacy and safety of employees and partners. However, Whitworth has been criticized for sidestepping questions about the campaign and its impact and for not providing any direct support to Mulvaney or the LGBTQ+ community in his statements.
Original Article: https://resistthemainstream.com/dylan-mulvaney-breaks-silence-on-bud-light-boycott/
