Transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney said Bud Light did not support her after their branded content partnership was met with massive backlash from the right.
“In my opinion, for a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly support them is worse than not hiring a trans person at all,” he said in a statement. TikTok video Thursday.
Mulvaney, 26, has more than 10.6 million followers on TikTok, where she rose to fame after chronicling her first year of gender transition in a viral video series called «Days of Girlhood.»
The viral hate campaign against Mulvaney began after he posted a video about Bud Light to his Instagram page on April 1 as part of his March Madness promotional campaign. The post included a can the company sent to Mulvaney with his face on it.
conservatives, including celebrities like Kid Rockbegan posting viral videos of themselves smashing Bud Light cans, throwing them down the sink, and even shooting the cans.
Anheuser-Busch Chief Executive Brendan Whitworth responded in a statement on April 14, saying the company «never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people.»
In his video post on Thursday, Mulvaney said he felt the company’s response wasn’t enough.
«What happened in that video was more bullying and transphobia than I could have imagined,» Mulvaney said. «For months I have been afraid to leave my house, they have ridiculed me in public, they have followed me and I have felt a loneliness that I do not wish on anyone.»
She claimed that no one from Anheuser-Busch approached her privately.
An Anheuser-Busch spokesman would not address whether the company contacted Mulvaney.
In a statement, the spokesperson said: “As we have said, we remain committed to the programs and partnerships we have forged over decades with organizations in various communities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. The privacy and security of our employees and our partners is always our top priority. As we move forward, we will focus on what we do best: making great beer for everyone and earning our place in the moments that matter to our consumers.”
Mulvaney said she was initially afraid to address the backlash and worried that responding would make the situation worse.
«I felt personally guilty about what happened, so I patiently waited for things to get better, but surprise, they haven’t,» Mulvaney said in the video. «I’m not telling you this because I want your pity. I’m telling you this because if this is my experience from a very insider’s perspective, know that it’s much, much worse for other trans people.»
Mulvaney, who said he loves the beer, said he thinks the company’s response «gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want.»
“Hate doesn’t end with me. It has serious, serious consequences for the rest of our community and, you know, we’re customers as well,» Mulvaney said. «I know a lot of trans and queer people who love beer, and I have some lesbian friends who could drink some of those haters under the table. Turning a blind eye and pretending everything is fine is just not an option. , TRUE?». now.»
This was the first time Mulvaney had addressed his followers directly about the reaction to the brand partnership.
He previously touched on the subject during an interview on the «Onward With Rosie O’Donnell» podcast, in which he said he felt like an «easy target» due to how recent his transition was and within the current climate of hate towards people. transgender. people and the LGBTQ community.
Addressing supporters Thursday, Mulvaney urged them to stand by and support the transgender community.
«Supporting trans people should not be political,» he said. «There shouldn’t be anything controversial or divisive about working with us, and I know it’s possible, because I’ve worked with some fantastic companies that care. But caring about the LGBTQ+ community requires much more than just a donation somewhere during LGBTQ+ Month. Pride». «