Anheuser-Busch CEO declines to respond on sending can to Mulvaney again.

Hank BerrienJune 28, 2023

The CEO of Bud Light’s parent company defends controversial transgender influencer campaign

Despite facing an enormous backlash that has cost the brand its position at the top of the market, the CEO of Bud Light’s parent company, Brendan Whitworth, refuses to admit that featuring transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney on a can of beer was a mistake.

In an interview on CBS “This Morning,” Whitworth dismissed the backlash as “divisive,” claiming that the conversation surrounding Bud Light has moved away from beer and become polarizing. However, the consequences of the campaign are evident, with bars, restaurants, and retail stores reporting a significant decline in Bud Light sales since Mulvaney’s TikTok video showcasing the custom can.

Whitworth emphasized that Bud Light should be about bringing people together, but when asked about the intention behind sending Mulvaney the personalized can, he simply reiterated the company’s previous statement that it was a gift and only one can was printed.

When pressed on whether the company would repeat the same action knowing what they know now, Whitworth evaded the question, highlighting the ongoing social conversation and the need for big brands to understand and meet consumer expectations.

Despite Bud Light’s long-standing support for the LGBTQ community, Whitworth failed to address whether the campaign was a mistake. Instead, he emphasized the company’s commitment to brewing great beer, listening to consumers, and making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

While the negative impact on Bud Light sales is evident, it remains uncertain how much the parent company has been affected. When asked about the cost of the Mulvaney fiasco, Whitworth declined to provide a specific figure, stating that the focus is currently on investing in the brand.

Whitworth concluded the interview by expressing his pride in the company and its employees, describing Bud Light as an American institution closely tied to the American flag.

In response to recent controversy, @AnheuserBusch CEO Brendan Whitworth tells CBS Mornings that his company will continue to support the LGBTQ community.

He did not directly answer the questions of whether the promotional campaign with a transgender influencer was a mistake. pic.twitter.com/19PXJQkoem

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 28, 2023