Current:Home > ContactAnheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth says financial assistance is being sent to wholesalers, beer distributors impacted by boycott backlash -Momentum Wealth Path
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth says financial assistance is being sent to wholesalers, beer distributors impacted by boycott backlash
View
Date:2025-04-28 07:52:28
The CEO of Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, said financial assistance has already begun being sent to wholesalers and beer distributors affected by a two-month sales decline caused by an ongoing customer boycott.
Brendan Whitworth acknowledged his accountability as CEO for the repercussions faced by employees, consumers, and distributors due to the backlash that began in response to a video posted on Instagram by transgender social media star Dylan Mulvaney. The video showcased personalized Bud Light cans Mulvaney received as a "gift" according to Whitworth.
Bud Light, which had held the distinction of America's top-selling beer for over two decades, lost its position to Modelo in May, signifying a significant shift in the beer market.
"I think it's the impact, honestly on the employees that weighs most on me. Again, as I mentioned, seeing the pride and the commitment that they have, working on behalf of 165-plus-year-old American institution is what gives us energy as we look to move forward and focus on what we do best," Whitworth, told "CBS Mornings" exclusively.
Conservatives like Kid Rock and Travis Tritt joined the uproar, calling for a boycott of the popular brew. Viral videos even showed people shooting and dumping Bud Light cans. As a result, many members of the LGBTQ+ community also joined the boycott, upset with how Anheuser-Busch distanced itself following the backlash through a series of statements.
When asked about Bud Light's stance on LGBTQ+ rights, Whitworth highlighted the company's history of supporting the queer community since 1998. He stressed their commitment to supporting organizations and communities they've been associated with for years while focusing on their product.
"As we move forward, we want to focus on what we do best, which is brewing great beer for everyone, listening to our consumers, being humble in listening to them, making sure that we do right by our employee, take care and support our partners, and ultimately make an impact in the communities that we serve," he said.
Despite the recent setbacks, Whitworth said Anheuser-Busch plans to triple its investment in Bud Light this year as they launch their upcoming summer campaign and prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
"Over the last month we've talked to over 100,000 consumers and their feedback is very clear. What is it? The feedback is to reinforce what Bud Light has always meant to them, which is good times goodwill, and easy enjoyment," he said.
- In:
- LGBTQ+
- Anheuser-Busch InBev
- Beer
veryGood! (65382)
Related
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Save 80% on Michael Kors, 50% on Banana Republic, 70% on Gap & Today's Best Deals
- Frontier Airlines pilot arrested at Houston airport, forcing flight’s cancellation
- Olympic gymnastics recap: Suni Lee, Kaylia Nemour, Qiu Qiyuan medal in bars final
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Cat Righting Reflex
- How a lack of supervisors keeps new mental health workers from entering the field
- One church, two astronauts. How a Texas congregation is supporting its members on the space station
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- The Daily Money: A rout for stocks
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Dueling Harris and Trump rallies in the same Atlanta arena showcase America’s deep divides
- For Novak Djokovic, winning Olympic gold for Serbia supersedes all else
- Olympic gymnastics recap: Suni Lee, Kaylia Nemour, Qiu Qiyuan medal in bars final
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Slow Wheels of Policy Leave Low-Income Residents of Nashville Feeling Brunt of Warming Climate
- Miss USA Alma Cooper crowned amid controversial pageant year
- 'Whirlwind' year continues as Jayson Tatum chases Olympic gold
Recommendation
Bodycam footage shows high
Want to train like an Olympic champion? Start with this expert advice.
Taylor Swift didn't 'give a warning sign' for this acoustic set song in Warsaw
Former NBA player Chase Budinger's Olympic volleyball dream ends. What about LA '28 at 40?
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Sara Hughes, Kelly Cheng keep beach volleyball medal hopes alive in three-set thriller
This preschool in Alaska changed lives for parents and kids alike. Why did it have to close?
White Sox beaten 13-7 by Twins for 20th straight loss, longest MLB skid in 36 years