The Saloon, a gay bar in Minneapolis, has discontinued serving Anheuser-Busch products, including Bud Light, citing the company's handling of the Dylan Mulvaney partnership backlash. Owner John Moore expressed disappointment in Anheuser-Busch's response, stating they missed an opportunity to support the marginalized LGBTQ+ community and instead adopted what he perceived as an anti-queer stance. Moore emphasized the importance of partnering with businesses that demonstrate integrity and align with his values.
The controversy began in March when Bud Light partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, sending her a personalized can of beer to commemorate her gender transition anniversary. This sparked a significant backlash, primarily from conservative consumers, resulting in a substantial drop in Bud Light sales and a decline in Anheuser-Busch's market value.
Moore plans to replace Anheuser-Busch products with offerings from local breweries that he believes have a stronger commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. This decision mirrors similar actions taken by some gay bars in Chicago. Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth issued a statement in April stating the company's intention was not to create division, while global chief marketing officer Marcel Marcondes referred to the incident as a “wake-up call” for marketers.
This move by The Saloon further intensifies the ongoing fallout from the Bud Light-Mulvaney partnership, highlighting the challenges faced by brands navigating social and political controversies. The bar's decision to prioritize local breweries reflects a growing trend of consumers seeking businesses aligned with their values.
