Alignment: Partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in April 2023, triggering a sustained consumer boycott that cost Bud Light its position as America’s #1 beer; parent Anheuser-Busch InBev maintains broad corporate DEI programs and Pride sponsorships across its portfolio.
Summary
Bud Light, the flagship lager of Anheuser-Busch InBev, partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in a April 2023 social-media promotion that triggered one of the largest consumer boycotts in recent U.S. corporate history. Bud Light lost its position as the top-selling beer in America to Modelo Especial, and the company estimated more than $1 billion in lost sales. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a probe of the partnership; AB InBev’s parent company restructured U.S. marketing leadership in response.
Claims & Sources
Claim 1: Bud Light lost the top U.S. beer spot following the Mulvaney boycott.
Sources: Reuters — Bud Light loses top US beer spot after Mulvaney ad boycott; Associated Press — Bud Light sales plunge following boycott over trans influencer; CNBC — Bud Light beer sales trail Modelo following backlash.
Claim 2: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a probe of the Bud Light–Mulvaney deal.
Source: CNBC — DeSantis orders probe into Bud Light Dylan Mulvaney deal.
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