Anheuser-Busch defends Bud Light after backlash allegations

bud light anheuser busch

Bud Light, the flagship beer brand of Anheuser-Busch, has been a mainstay in the American beer market for decades. However, recent allegations of abandonment during a backlash have put the brand in the spotlight. In this article, we will explore the Bud Light backlash, Dylan Mulvaney’s claims, and Anheuser-Busch’s response.

Anheuser-Busch CEO Emphasizes the Importance of Bud Light in Fostering Unity

During an interview on “CBS Mornings,” Anheuser-Busch U.S. CEO Brendan Whitworth expressed concern that Bud Light’s recent online promotion, which involved personalized cans sent to transgender social media star Dylan Mulvaney, had backfired and become a source of division. Whitworth emphasized that Bud Light should be a beverage that brings people together, rather than creating controversy. Ad Age news editor E.J. Schultz joined the discussion on CBS News to provide additional insights into the situation. Bud Light’s position as America’s best-selling beer was recently surpassed by another brand.

 

The Bud Light Backlash

In 2023, Bud Light faced a significant backlash after a controversial ad campaign. The campaign, which featured slogans such as “The perfect beer for removing ‘no’ from your vocabulary,” was criticized for promoting rape culture. The backlash was swift and widespread, with many people calling for a boycott of the brand.

Dylan Mulvaney’s Claims

Dylan Mulvaney, a former employee of Anheuser-Busch, claimed that she was abandoned by the company during the backlash. Mulvaney alleged that she was harassed and threatened online for her role in the campaign, and that the company did nothing to protect her. She also claimed that she was fired shortly after the backlash, despite receiving positive performance reviews prior to the campaign.

Anheuser-Busch’s Response

Anheuser-Busch fired back at Mulvaney’s claims, stating that they took the backlash very seriously and worked to protect all employees involved in the campaign. They also stated that Mulvaney was not fired as a result of the campaign, but rather as part of a larger restructuring effort.

Anheuser-Busch CEO, Michel Doukeris, also defended the brand in a recent interview with the Daily Mail. Doukeris argued that while the campaign was a misstep, the brand remained committed to promoting responsible drinking and supporting women’s rights.

The Future of Bud Light:

Despite the backlash and controversy, Bud Light remains a top-selling beer brand in the United States. Anheuser-Busch has continued to invest in the brand, with new marketing campaigns and product innovations. However, the company has also faced increased competition from craft breweries and other beer brands.

 

conclusion

The Bud Light backlash and Dylan Mulvaney’s claims have brought renewed attention to the brand and its marketing practices. While the controversy has certainly been damaging, Anheuser-Busch has worked to defend the brand and its values. Only time will tell how the Bud Light brand will continue to evolve in the changing beer market.