Dylan Mulvaney Takes a Stand: Bud Light Under Fire for Failing to Back Her Amid Transphobic Controversy

Dylan Mulvaney Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock

Dylan Mulvaney finally spoke out about the Bud Light controversy, criticizing the beer brand for their actions. The 26-year-old transgender social media influencer had originally featured in an April Instagram ad for Bud Light as part of the company’s March Madness campaign. However, the backlash from haters, which even included a video of Kid Rock shooting cans of the beer, resulted in Mulvaney experiencing an overwhelming amount of bullying and transphobia. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, June 29, Mulvaney expressed their shock at the extent of the negative response.

This is the first time Mulvaney has addressed the drama, stating that she had been anticipating the brand to contact her, but they never did. She further explained that she has been subjected to terrifying threats from boycotters of the brand. Mulvaney expressed how she has been living in fear, afraid to leave her house, being publicly ridiculed, followed, and experiencing a deep sense of loneliness that she wouldn't wish upon anyone.

Content: Mulvaney can be seen in the video enjoying a beer and adding the caption, "Trans people enjoy beer too." She expressed her opinion that the company's response to the controversy has further fueled the hatred towards LGBTQIA+ individuals, allowing customers to freely express their transphobia and hostility.

In April, shortly after Mulvaney’s Instagram advertisement, where she promoted Bud Light’s $15,000 contest, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement expressing that the company had no intention of contributing to any divisive discussions.

"As the CEO of a company founded in America's heartland over 165 years ago, it is my duty to ensure that all consumers feel a sense of pride in the beer we produce. We are proud to be an integral part of this country's culture," Whitworth stated. He further emphasized that their objective is to unite people by bringing them together through the enjoyment of beer.

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According to the TikTok superstar, it is more detrimental for a company to employ a transgender individual and fail to publicly support them, than to simply refrain from hiring trans individuals altogether.

The vitriolic and intense backlash has wide-ranging repercussions, as Mulvaney explained while acknowledging her own privilege. She emphasized that the hatred doesn't stop with her and highlighted the serious consequences it has for the entire community.

Content: Despite Kid Rock, 52, vehemently criticizing the company's association with Mulvaney, numerous other celebrities such as Jonathan Van Ness and Lucy Hale expressed support for her amid the backlash.