Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney launched a scathing critique against Bud Light in a video shared on Thursday, expressing disappointment over the company’s failure to support him amidst a marketing campaign controversy. The fallout from the campaign resulted in significant financial losses for Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light.
Mulvaney, who identifies as a transgender woman, felt compelled to address the issue and alleviate the discomfort he had been experiencing. Reflecting on the situation, Mulvaney emphasized that the magnitude of the backlash seemed disproportionate to the nature of his sponsored Instagram video, which featured him promoting a special can bearing his face.
The influencer lamented the barrage of bullying and transphobia that followed the ad’s release, expressing surprise at the intensity of the negative response. Mulvaney acknowledged that he should have spoken out months ago but admitted to feeling fearful and personally responsible for the events that unfolded. Despite hoping for support from the brand, Mulvaney claimed no outreach was made, leaving him feeling anxious and confined to his home while enduring public ridicule and harassment.
Mulvaney argued that a company hiring a transgender individual and subsequently failing to publicly support them is even more detrimental than not hiring a trans person at all. By remaining silent, the brand indirectly encourages and legitimizes transphobic and hateful behavior among customers. The influencer stressed that the consequences of such negligence extend beyond personal experiences, affecting the entire transgender and queer community. Mulvaney further highlighted that trans and queer individuals are also consumers, and their support and inclusion should not be disregarded.
Addressing the claim that the transgender debate is inherently political, Mulvaney countered that there is nothing controversial or divisive about collaborating with the transgender community. Instead, Mulvaney emphasized the need for acceptance, understanding, and recognition of the shared humanity and experiences that transcend political differences.