Amid backlash from the right and left, Bud Light announced a $200,000 donation to the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) to support “economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ+ Americans,” according to a press release from its parent company Anheuser-Busch.
Sales of Bud Light continue to a downward trend amid ongoing backlash to the company’s decision to hire transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney as a spokesperson.
According to Beer Business Daily, sales dropped by 25.7% in the week of May 20 and had dropped by nearly 30% when compared to last year’s sales during the same time period.
In the news: Bud Light Still Sinking Amid Mulvaney Backlash
In the wake of the fallout, Anheuser-Busch released a statement Monday, saying that it was “extending [its] partnership” with NGLCC by donating $200,000 to the Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi) and the CoCi Biz Pitch program.
“This year, Bud Light will donate $200,000 to the NGLCC in support of its Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi),” the press release read. “This initiative is designed to support the growth and success of minority LGBTQ+-owned businesses through certification, scholarships and business development in an effort to create equal opportunities for the economic advancement of small businesses in the LGBTQ+ community. The brand will also be supporting NGLCC’s first-ever CoCi Biz Pitch program, where the winning minority LGBTQ+ business owner will receive $5,000 and have the chance to go on to compete at the 2023 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference LGBT Biz Pitch Competition for $50,000 in cash and prizes.
“Bud Light was brewed to be an ‘Easy to Drink, Easy to Enjoy’ beer for everyone 21+, and that still holds true today,” said Anheuser-Busch. “We look forward to extending our work with the NGLCC to continue making a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ businesses that play a critical role in bringing people everywhere, together.”
Anheuser-Busch touted its 20 years of “advancing LGBTQ equality” and its “strong” relationship with the community, according to the press release.
In the news: Bud Light Keeps Trying To Get Right With The Right
This release comes just weeks after LGBTQ groups and businesses also began a boycott of the brand due to the company reportedly offering free beer to make amends for the partnership with Mulvaney.
“We’re honored to continue our partnership with Bud Light in support of LGBTQ+ businesses,” NGLCC said in the press release. “We appreciate the brand’s ongoing efforts to bolster our Communities of Color Initiative that empowers and supports both minority LGBTQ+ business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as the vital roles they play in communities across the United States.”
Anheuser-Busch’s stock dropped by over $6 billion in the days after the Mulvaney announcement and continued to drop well over a month later as many conservatives embraced a boycott of the brand.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.