Anheuser-Busch and others end Pride Month sponsorships – Washington Examiner
Major corporations such as Anheuser-Busch, Comcast, and Nissan have made the decision to withdraw their sponsorships from Pride Month events. Anheuser-Busch, known for brands like Bud Light, has ended a longstanding 30-year partnership with Pridefest in St. Louis and has also cut ties with San Francisco Pride after previously working with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Comcast has similarly opted out of major pride events, including WorldPride in Washington, D.C. other companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Diageo have also pulled their support.The shift in corporate sponsorship appears to be associated with a broader reevaluation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the wake of political changes in the U.S. This trend has surprised many, including Pride organizers, as the companies grapple with changing consumer expectations and social dynamics.
Anheuser-Busch and Comcast among companies ending Pride Month sponsorships
Some major corporations are ending their relationship with LGBT organizations ahead of Pride Month in June.
Anheuser-Busch, Comcast, Booz Allen Hamilton, Darcars, Deloitte, Diageo, and Nissan have all opted not to have their brands associated with parades and other events endorsing alternative lifestyles.
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light and several other beer brands, has terminated its 30-year sponsorship of Pridefest in St. Louis, Missouri, where the company is based. Festival organizers are now trying to raise the $150,000 lost by the move.
The same company that once featured transgender activist and influencer Dylan Mulvaney as its spokeswoman has also cut ties with San Francisco Pride. Anheuser-Busch joins Diageo, the manufacturer of brands ranging from Captain Morgan and Baileys to Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker, which has also pulled out of the event.
Comcast, the parent company of NBC, has similarly opted to withdraw from pride events in major cities, including WorldPride, which will be held in Washington, D.C.
“It was totally shocking,” San Francisco Pride executive director Suzanne Ford stated. “It was like somebody in your family just all of a sudden saying, ‘We don’t want to be involved with you anymore.’”
Nissan recently withdrew its backing of Pride Toronto. The auto company stated its decision not to sponsor the event stems from “a re-evaluation of all our marketing and media activations in a variety of activities.”
Many companies have changed their positions on supporting pride organizations and events since President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier this year. His administration has tackled diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the country. Following Trump’s inauguration, Target, McDonald’s, and other companies have ditched their DEI policies.
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Beyond moving away from sponsoring pride events, Anheuser-Busch also sought to rebrand its “domestic” beer to “American” beer on Major League Baseball menus ahead of opening day on Thursday. Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth explained he is not a fan of the word “domestic” and has “a negative reaction” whenever he sees it.
The Washington Examiner has contacted both Anheuser-Busch and Comcast for comment.
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