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| Kid Rock Controversy: Protest Against Bud Light's Transgender Partnership |
Kid Rock, the American singer, and
songwriter have sparked controversy after posting a video of himself shooting
up a stack of Bud Light cases on social media. The act of vandalism was
apparently in protest of Bud Light's partnership with Dylan Mulvaney, a
transgender rights activist, and TikTok personality. The beer brand had sent
Mulvaney a commemorative can with her face on it to celebrate her gender-transition
journey, which Mulvaney had shared on TikTok. The video posted by Kid Rock was
seen as a response to the backlash against the partnership, with some online
users praising his message while others criticized him for promoting violence
and intolerance. The incident has ignited a debate about the role of
celebrities and influencers in promoting social causes and the appropriate ways
to express dissent and disagreement in a polarized society.
Background on the partnership between Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney
Dylan Mulvaney, a comedian and musical
theater actor based in Hollywood, has been sharing her gender-transition
journey over the last year via the episodic TikTok series “Days of Girlhood.”
To celebrate her 365th day of the series, Bud Light sent Mulvaney a can with
her face on it. Although Bud Light defended the partnership, the campaign
became a target of conservative backlash, with many disparaging Mulvaney's
trans identities. Bud Light is known for its pro-LGBTQ marketing, having
previously partnered with LGBTQ organizations such as GLAAD in 2019 to
celebrate Pride Month in the U.S. and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
last year to help support LGBTQ-owned businesses amid post-pandemic reopening.
However, the beer brand has also faced criticism for its reported financial
contributions to politicians who have supported anti-LGBTQ legislation,
according to a 2021 study.
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| Backlash Against Bud Light's Transgender Partnership with Dylan Mulvaney |
Conservative backlash against Mulvaney and the Bud Light campaign
Mulvaney's announcement of the Bud
Light partnership and contest became the target of conservative backlash over
the weekend, with many disparaging Mulvaney's transgender identity. The hashtag
#BoycottBudLight began trending on social media in response to Mulvaney's
video.
Mulvaney, a person, made an
announcement regarding a partnership and contest with Bud Light which has
caused controversy over the weekend. Some conservative groups have criticized
Mulvaney's transgender identity in response to the announcement. As a result,
the hashtag #BoycottBudLight has been trending on social media with many
expressing their disapproval of the partnership and the use of a transgender
individual in the ad campaign.
Kid Rock’s video and message to Bud Light and Anheuser-Busch
Kid Rock posted a video on Monday
night on his social media accounts, showing himself shooting up a stack of Bud
Light cases with a small rifle. Although the video did not have a caption, the
timing made the message apparent: "F— Bud Light. F— Anheuser-Busch. Have a
terrific day." Kid Rock's message was seen as a protest against the beer
brand's partnership with transgender rights activist Dylan Mulvaney. Kid Rock,
who has a history of making derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community,
received praise from some conservative users online for his message.
Anheuser-Busch’s defense of its partnership with Mulvaney
In response to the backlash against
its partnership with Dylan Mulvaney, Anheuser-Busch released a statement
defending its decision to work with her. The company stated that it works with
many influencers across its brands to connect with audiences of different
demographics, including Mulvaney, who was given a commemorative can with her
face on it to celebrate a personal milestone. Anheuser-Busch emphasized that
the can was not for sale to the general public.
The beer giant has been known to
support LGBTQ causes in its marketing campaigns, partnering with organizations
like GLAAD and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce in recent years. However,
the company has also faced criticism for allegedly making financial
contributions to politicians who have supported anti-LGBTQ legislation,
according to a 2021 study. This led to protests from the owners of the
Stonewall Inn, a historic gay bar in New York City, who poured Bud Lights down
the drain during Pride weekend that year.
Anheuser-Busch’s
history of LGBTQ marketing and criticism of financial contributions to
anti-LGBTQ politicians
Anheuser-Busch has been actively
promoting LGBTQ rights by collaborating with organizations such as GLAAD and
the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. However, a recent study found that the
company has faced criticism for allegedly supporting politicians who have
introduced anti-LGBTQ legislation. This has led to protests by the LGBTQ
community, as demonstrated during the 2021 Pride weekend when the owners of the
Stonewall Inn poured Bud Lights down the drain. Anheuser-Busch has defended its
actions by stating that it works with various influencers to connect with
different demographics, including Mulvaney. The company clarified that the commemorative
can featuring Mulvaney's image was a personal gift and not intended for public
sale.
Kid Rock’s past attacks on the transgender community and support of Donald Trump
Kid Rock's past behavior towards the
transgender community and other marginalized groups has drawn widespread
scrutiny and backlash. Specifically, he has been criticized for using
derogatory language and slurs during public performances, including a
homophobic slur directed at Tyler Perry in 2017 and transphobic comments about
Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar at a Nashville bar in 2018. In addition, Kid Rock
has publicly supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign and has been an
outspoken critic of the Black Lives Matter movement, further fueling
controversy and criticism surrounding his statements and actions.
Reactions to Kid Rock’s video and the #BoycottBudLight and “Love Kid Rock” hashtags
Kid Rock's recent video and message
directed towards Bud Light and Anheuser-Busch has ignited a heated response on
social media. While some of Kid Rock's conservative supporters have launched
the #LoveKidRock hashtag to express their solidarity with the musician's
protest against Bud Light's partnership with Dylan Mulvaney, members of the
LGBTQ community and their allies have expressed their outrage at Kid Rock's
actions and message.
The #BoycottBudLight hashtag has also
surfaced, with many individuals calling for a boycott of the beer brand in
response to its association with Mulvaney. Critics have called out Kid Rock's
history of attacks on the transgender community and his support of Donald Trump, accusing him of bigotry and hate.
On the other hand, some of Kid Rock's
fans have defended his right to free speech and his views on the issue. They
have also criticized the LGBTQ community for being intolerant of opposing
viewpoints and attempting to silence Kid Rock's message.
Defense of Mulvaney and criticism of Kid Rock’s actions and rhetoric
When Kid Rock's video drew criticism,
defenders of Dylan Mulvaney voiced their disapproval of Kid Rock's behavior and
language. They pointed out that Mulvaney had the right to speak her mind, and
praised her partnership with Bud Light for promoting transgender rights and
visibility. Kid Rock's actions were deemed inappropriate, further stigmatizing
a vulnerable community.
Numerous groups, such as GLAAD and the
Human Rights Campaign, condemned Kid Rock's video and demanded an apology.
GLAAD called his transphobic outburst "dangerous and unacceptable,"
urging Kid Rock to apologize to Mulvaney and the transgender community. The
Human Rights Campaign echoed this sentiment, saying that Kid Rock's actions
"hurt and marginalize" transgender people.
Critics of Kid Rock cited his previous
statements and support of Donald Trump, as well as his attacks on the
transgender community, as evidence of his harmful views and behavior. They
argued that his beliefs contradict the values of acceptance and equality
cherished by many Americans.
Despite the controversy, some of Kid
Rock's supporters stood by him and used hashtags like #LoveKidRock to express
their loyalty. However, many others called for a boycott of his music and
merchandise, using #BoycottKidRock.
Mulvaney’s past appearances with President Biden and Drew Barrymore
Dylan Mulvaney, the transgender rights
activist who partnered with Bud Light for their "Beers for Everyone"
campaign, has had past public appearances with high-profile figures such as President
Joe Biden and actress Drew Barrymore. In June 2021, Mulvaney was invited to
attend the White House's celebration of Pride Month, where she met with
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Mulvaney shared her
experience on social media, saying it was an "honor" to be at the
event and to have the opportunity to discuss trans issues with the President.
Mulvaney has also appeared on Drew
Barrymore's talk show to discuss her activism and her experience as a
transgender woman. During the interview, Mulvaney emphasized the importance of
education and visibility in promoting understanding and acceptance of the
transgender community. Mulvaney's appearances with high-profile individuals
have further elevated her profile and advocacy work, and have helped to bring
attention to the issues facing the transgender community.