First saying she “decided to get in the backseat and let her tuck herself in,” Dylan Mulvaney posted a video to TikTok today announcing she’s changed her mind. Mulvaney, of course, is the transgender influencer who promoted a Bud Light March Madness contest on her accounts and sparked a firestorm.
Conservative entertainers and politicians railed against Budweiser and called for a boycott. An excited Kid Rock posted a harrowing video of him shooting cases of Bud Light with an assault weapon and screaming “f*ck Bud Light!” Others, both famous and otherwise, followed suit.
Mulvaney said today what convinced her to speak out wasn’t a desire to address critics, but a need to reach out to the nearly 13 million people “who eventually liked me enough to hit the follow button on these apps.” click”.
Here’s most of what she had to say:
What I struggle with the most is that I grew up in a conservative family and I’m extremely privileged because they still love me very much. And I grew up in the church, and I still have my faith for who I am Really I’m just trying to hold on But I’ve always tried to love everyone, you know, even the people who make it really, really hard. And I think it’s okay to be frustrated or confused by someone, but I’m having trouble understanding the importance of dehumanizing people and being cruel. I just don’t think that’s right. Dehumanization has never fixed anything in history.
I’m embarrassed to even tell you this, but I was nervous that you would start believing these things they say about me because it’s so loud. But I’ll just move on, trusting that the people who know me and my heart won’t listen to this noise.
I’m interested in making people laugh again and never stopping learning. And in the future I want to share parts of myself here that have nothing to do with my identity. And I hope that these parts will still be exciting for you and will suffice. And to those of you who support me and choose to see my humanity, even if you don’t fully understand or relate to me: thank you.
Reports suggest that Anheuser-Busch took a financial hit in the wake of Mulvaney’s support. US bar owners, stores, and retailers are all reporting severe bud light sales declines.
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth issued a statement attempting to explain the company’s position.
“We have thousands of partners, millions of fans, and a proud history of supporting our communities, the military, first responders, sports fans and hard-working Americans everywhere,” Whitworth said. “We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We have made it our mission to bring people together over a beer.”
The company even brought out its iconic Clydesdales and images of American landmarks from New York City to the Grand Canyon, with a celebratory voiceover conveying a patriotic message.
“This is a story bigger than beer,” says the narrator. “This is the history of the American spirit.”
At one point, the ad shows two people raising an American flag, one placing a hand on her heart.