Dylan Mulvaney Says Bud Light Abandoned Them

Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney has spoken out about feeling abandoned by Bud Light following a wave of bullying and transphobia she experienced after partnering with the beer giant. In a video shared on Instagram and TikTok, Mulvaney expressed her disappointment in Bud Light’s lack of support, revealing the toll it has taken on her mental and emotional well-being.

Bud Light’s Response: In response to Mulvaney’s claims, parent company Anheuser-Busch released a statement on Friday without directly addressing Mulvaney’s concerns. The company emphasized its commitment to supporting various communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, but did not specifically address Mulvaney’s situation.

The Backlash and Impact: Mulvaney faced intense criticism and hate after promoting Bud Light in an Instagram video as part of a promotional contest. Conservative figures and others called for a boycott of Bud Light, while Mulvaney’s supporters criticized the beer brand for failing to stand up for her. The aftermath of the controversy resulted in two marketing executives at Anheuser-Busch InBev taking a leave of absence, and Bud Light losing its long-standing position as America’s best-selling beer.

Sales Slump and Human Rights Campaign’s Response: The backlash against Bud Light has had a tangible impact on its sales.

According to Bump Williams Consulting, Bud Light’s U.S. retail sales slumped by 26% in the four weeks ending June 17 compared to the same period last year. In contrast, Modelo Especial, which recently surpassed Bud Light as the country’s top-selling beer in retail dollar sales, saw a 9% increase during the same period. Furthermore, the Human Rights Campaign suspended its equality and inclusion rating for Anheuser-Busch, reflecting the organization’s disappointment with the company’s response.

Mulvaney’s Perspective and the Power of Support: Expressing her frustration, Mulvaney emphasized the importance of companies standing up for their trans employees publicly.