Anheuser-Busch has found itself under fire from across the political spectrum after it released a pro-America advertisement over the weekend, following weeks of criticism over the company’s decision to partner with controversial transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
The ad, which features one of the Budweiser Clydesdales running through America, was meant to be a heart-warming tribute to the country, but it has instead been met with widespread condemnation.
Critics from both sides of the aisle have accused the company of walking back what they consider virtue signaling after CEO Brendan Whitworth issued a statement over the matter that was widely panned as weak.
“Let me tell you a story about a beer rooted in the heart of America,” the narrator in the ad states. “Found in the community where a handshake is a sure contract. Brewed from those who found opportunity and challenge and hope in tomorrow.”
UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was among those slamming the company, tweeting “Sorry… this ship has already sailed. You should’ve supported the hard-working middle class that once were proud to kick back after a long day of work.”
Attorney Philip Holloway also weighed in, tweeting “Don’t look now @AnheuserBusch @budweiserusa but the Clydesdale has already left the barn. The train has sailed, the ship has left the station.”
Former boxer Ed Latimore added, “Man, this s*** might have worked in the 80s, but the internet is forever.”
The backlash has been so severe that it has even led to calls for a boycott of Anheuser-Busch products.
In a statement, Anheuser-Busch said that “we recognize that we made a mistake in selecting Dylan Mulvaney for our campaign and we apologize for any offense it has caused. We are committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and equality and reaffirm our commitment to these values in all of our communications.”
However, it appears that the damage may already be done, as the company’s pro-America ad campaign has only served to further alienate its critics. It remains to be seen whether Anheuser-Busch will be able to recover from this PR crisis, or if the company’s decision to partner with Mulvaney will prove to be too costly.
— Budweiser (@budweiserusa) April 14, 2023