Trans activist Dylan Mulvaney sparked a big reaction online by posting what appeared to be an ad for Bud Light beer and announcing a partnership with the brand.
The social media influencer shared images of a customized Bud Light can in Instagram stories and video clips showing the activist’s image. Because Mulvaney posted the content on April Fool’s Day, followers questioned whether it was a prank. Bud Light’s official social media pages and press page make no mention of a partnership with Mulvaney.
“Bud Light sent me possibly the best gift ever: a can with my face on it,” Mulvaney said in stories.
“Happy March Madness!! Just found out this had to do with sports and not just saying it’s a crazy month! In celebration of this sports thing @budlight is giving you the chance to win $15,000! Share a video with #EasyCarryContest for a chance to win!! Good luck,” the video caption said. The video also included the hashtag #budlightpartner.
Even without verification, fans flooded Bud Light’s most recent Twitter posts with comments about their plans to boycott the beer. Users marveled that Bud Light, which is owned by Anheuser-Busch, would consider Mulvaney as a spokesperson or partner.
“I’ve been drinking Bud Lite for more than 20 years, sadly I had my last one yesterday. Deciding on a new non-bud owned alternative today,” one Twitter reaction said.
“Water that identifies as beer,” another account quipped.
“Fire your marketing director. He/she/they just sank your company into the ground,” another user agreed.
This wouldn’t be the first time Bud Light included the LGBTQ community in their marketing campaigns. In 2019, the brand started selling special rainbow bottles in partnership with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for Pride month.
“Bud Light has been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community since the 80s and we are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with GLAAD by collaborating with them on this new commemorative bottle that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and everything GLAAD does to support it,” VP of Marketing Andy Goeler said at the time.
Mulvaney has received numerous corporate sponsorships since the influencer’s “Days of Girlhood” TikTok series exploded in popularity. Mulvaney has posted ads for KitchenAid, Kind Snacks, wedding dress brand ASOS, Native, MAC Cosmetics, and others.
The outspoken activist has also been making media appearances, including meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House and performing a special show at The Rainbow Room in New York City.
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