Anheuser-Busch's CEO has issued a statement as the company faces backlash to Bud Light's partnership with trans social media star Dylan Mulvaney.
Earlier this month, 26-year-old content creator Mulvaney - a transgender woman - shared a promotional video with her 1.8 million Instagram followers where she dressed as Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn and enjoyed a can of Bud Light beer.
Despite Mulvaney having already shared a video in partnership with Bud Light back in February, the most recent post triggered a torrent of vile comments from trolls, with many vowing never to drink Bud Light beer or any Anheuser-Busch products again.
Check out Mulvaney's Bud Light partnership below:Even several celebrities appeared to be angered by the videos, with music star Kid Rock sharing a video to Twitter showing him using a rifle to shoot and destroy several crates of Bud Light.
"F*** Anheuser-Busch! Have a terrific day," Kid Rock said in the clip.
Musician Travis Tritt also took to the social media platform to announce that he would be boycotting the Anheuser-Busch product following the Mulvaney's partnership video.
"I will be deleting all Anheuser-Busch products from my tour hospitality rider. I know many other artists who are doing the same," he tweeted last week, before adding: "Other artists who are deleting Anheuser-Busch products from their hospitality rider might not say so in public for fear of being ridiculed and canceled. I have no such fear."
Now, Anheuser-Busch's CEO Brendan Whitworth has issued a statement on behalf of the company, which states that it "never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people".
"I am responsible for ensuring every consumer feels proud of the beer we brew," Friday's statement continued. "My time serving this country taught me the importance of accountability and the values upon which America was founded: freedom, hard work and respect for one another.
"As CEO of Anheuser-Busch, I am focused on building and protecting our remarkable history and heritage.
"I care deeply about this country, this company, our brands and our partners. I spend much of my time traveling across America, listening to and learning from our customers, distributors and others."
The full statement can be seen below:"Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation,' the statement added.
Mulvaney - who has also received backlash for sharing another partnership post with athletic apparel brand Nike - has also spoken out about the criticism she has received as a result of her brand deals.
Speaking out during the April 11 episode of the Onward With Rosie O'Donnell podcast, Mulvaney said: "The reason that I think I am so… I’m an easy target is because I’m so new to this. I think going after a trans woman that’s been doing this for like 20 years is a lot more difficult. I think maybe they think that there’s some sort of chance with me…But what is their goal?"
Mulvaney also stated that while she doesn’t let the hateful remarks on social media get to her, the backlash is a sign that things need to change.
"I’m not worried about the people talking about me on their podcasts, I’m worried about their listeners," she added. "And I also think that it’s just a heavy time. And it’s time to step up, for sure."
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