The CEO of Anheuser-Busch has released a statement titled “Our Responsibility to America” following the controversy over a partnership deal with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
In the statement, released Friday, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth did not explicitly address the controversy, but suggested that it was a misstep in the company’s messaging.
“We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people,” Whitworth stated. “We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer.”
“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,” he added. “As CEO of Anheuser-Busch, I am focused on building and protecting our remarkable history and heritage.”
He said, “Moving forward, I will continue to work tirelessly to bring great beers to consumers across our nation.”
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The statement follows backlash to Bud Light’s branding partnership with Mulvaney, which prompted boycotts and public criticism from celebrities including musicians Kid Rock and Travis Tritt. Mulvaney posted a video on Instagram promoting a Bud Light sweepstakes competition and showed a beer can with his face on it that he said the company sent him.
In a statement addressing the controversy, Anheuser-Busch said, “From time to time we produce unique commemorative cans for fans and for brand influencers, like Dylan Mulvaney. This commemorative can was a gift to celebrate a personal milestone and is not for sale to the general public,” the New York Times reported.
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The fallout from the controversy also saw threats made to an Anheuser-Busch distributor in Missouri, resulting in the cancellation of some events involving the company’s iconic Clydesdale horses, Newsweek reported.
