Budweiser's latest advertisement, a pro-America-themed spot, has caused a stir on social media, reigniting criticism over the beer brand's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Released on Friday, the ad features one of Budweiser's iconic Clydesdale horses journeying across the country, passing through the American heartland as a narrator delivers a patriotic message.
"This is a story bigger than beer," the narrator says in the ad. "This is the story of the American spirit."
The ad showcases some of the country's most well-known landmarks, including the New York City skyline and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., alongside small towns and farmland. At one point, the ad features two people raising an American flag, with one placing her hand over her heart. The ad also references September 11, with CEO Brendan Whitworth stating it was intended to unite people.
"Brewed for those who found opportunity in challenge and hope in tomorrow," the ad's narrator says as the horse passes the flag-raising duo.
However, the ad's release has not been without controversy, as Budweiser faces continued backlash over the partnership between its popular Bud Light brand and Mulvaney, resulting in a significant financial loss for the company. Some online critics have deemed the latest ad a misguided attempt to restore support, while others have called for an apology.
Red State senior editor Brandon Morse tweeted, "Hey @AnheuserBusch, if you're at a point where you're literally referencing 9/11 in hopes that it would make us flyover yokels run to the store to salute a 12-pack of Bud Light, you should just apologize instead. Hoping we're stupid enough to buy this ad is insulting."
Former trans influencer and detransition activist Oli London tweeted, "Budweiser release pro-American ad 2 weeks after Dylan Mulvaney backlash. The new advert comes after Anheuser-Busch CEO released a statement which failed to apologize for the backlash and instead talked about traditional values and being pro-America."
Despite the criticism, Budweiser's CEO Brendan Whitworth has defended the company's stance, stating, "We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer."
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