Bud Light Announces Layoffs Following Controversial “Woke” Partnership

In the wake of a contentious collaboration with transgender TikTok personality Dylan Mulvaney, Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, has announced significant layoffs after months of slumping sales. The decision, which impacted hundreds of workers, was unveiled by Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, who emphasized that the company was prioritizing its “future long-term success.”

The controversial partnership with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender social media influencer, had sparked backlash and boycotts that significantly affected Bud Light’s sales. According to reports, Bud Light’s sales plummeted nearly 30% compared to the previous year, directly impacting the company’s revenue and prompting a response from management.

“We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people,” Whitworth expressed in April, as protests against the partnership began to affect the company’s bottom line. “We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer.”

Despite the acknowledgment of customer concerns, Anheuser-Busch did not issue an apology for the partnership in June. Instead, Whitworth addressed consumers, stating that they heard their feedback but would focus on their core expertise of “brewing great beer” and earning a place in important moments.

The fallout from the controversial campaign led to the suspension of two high-ranking employees: Alissa Heinerscheid, vice president of marketing for Bud Light, and Daniel Blake, Budweiser’s group vice president for marketing.

The recent layoffs affected corporate and marketing roles at U.S. offices located in St. Louis, New York, and Los Angeles. The company clarified that brewery and warehouse staff were not impacted by the workforce reduction. Anheuser-Busch employs approximately 18,000 workers across the United States.

In a bid to regain their footing in the competitive beer market, the company aims to redirect focus towards brewing excellent beer and bridging connections among consumers. Despite the challenges they faced following the partnership, Anheuser-Busch strives to emphasize inclusivity, asserting that “beer is for everyone.”

As a consequence of the controversy, Bud Light lost its top position as the No. 1 selling beer brand on a dollar basis, with Modelo Especial surpassing it. Meanwhile, Coors Light and Miller Lite saw a notable increase in sales, growing by 25.8% and 21.4%, respectively, during the same period.

FOX Business reached out to Anheuser-Busch for comment, but no immediate response was received at the time of reporting. The brewing giant remains committed to regaining its market share and rebuilding trust with consumers in the aftermath of the divisive partnership.