Last month, Bud Light caused quite a stir when the company gave a promotional beer to transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, leading many to boycott the beer brand. The company has been rather quiet since the controversy began, but now Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth is finally speaking on the issue – but he didn’t offer much clarity.
During an interview with CBS Mornings this week, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth opened up about the controversy and admitted that it’s been “challenging” for the company.
“It’s been a challenging few weeks. I think the conversation surrounding Bud Light has moved away from beer, and the conversation has become divisive,” Whitworth said. “And Bud Light really doesn’t belong there. Bud Light should be all about bringing people together.”
While Whitworth did make it clear that the company will continue to support the LGBTQ community, he also defended the company’s decision to support anti-LGBTQ politicians. He also refused to give a clear answer on whether or not the promotion with Mulvaney was a mistake – which angered both sides.
All in all, the interview didn’t seem to make anybody happy on either side of the issue.
https://twitter.com/bourbonislife80/status/1674153262394535936?s=20
Playing both sides and taking no stance on either side while promoting or donating to anti gay politician Brendan Whitworth epitome of politician 😳 @CBSMornings nice try trying to get answer but he’s well rehearsed https://t.co/q8mGdXQKWA
— Colleen Payne (@ColleenSPayne) June 28, 2023
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth obfuscates and talks around every question; even worse, the interviewers never press him for answers or ask strong follow-up questions. One panelist says AB has lost hundreds of millions when the figure is over 20 Billion! What a farce! https://t.co/NXtIxs8N4i
— The Political Bandit (@politclbandit) June 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/justmaryp/status/1674035871979388929?s=20
Behavioral research indicates that there is generally a lower IQ for those who are racists and homophobes.
It is not about the beer! @CBSMornings https://t.co/puhWqrjj5h
— RhysTay,PhD🇺🇸🏳️🌈🇺🇦🇵🇸Convict.Imprison TFG. (@ARhysTay) June 28, 2023
Did not answer a single question.
Another PR fail… https://t.co/4N1TZ2Na44— 10% for the Big Guy (@Sunflower8649) June 28, 2023
While he may have broken the silence on the issue, Whitworth didn’t exactly say anything of substance, either.
