Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO on Dylan Mulvaney backlash: 'This was one can, one influencer'

Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris addressed the recent backlash over Bud Light's partnership with transgender TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney during a company earnings call Thursday.

According to CNN, Doukeris said there is "misinformation" surrounding Mulvaney's April 1 Instagram post, which showed a custom Bud Light can with her face on it. He explained that the post wasn’t an ad campaign, and the custom can is not for sale to the general public.

"We need to clarify the facts that this was one can, one influencer, one post and not a campaign," Doukeris said, per Fox Business. Anheuser-Busch InBev is an international brewer that was the result of a 2008 merger between Anheuser-Busch and InBev.

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Doukeris said it's too early to determine the economic impact of Mulvaney's post or the calls to boycott the brand, and that Bud Light's volume decline in the U.S. during April only represents 1% of the brand's global volume. He added that Bud Light is just one of many beer brands owned by Anheuser-Busch, so it likely won't impact the company's "full-year outlook," per CNN.

Anheuser-Busch owns numerous national and craft beer brands, including Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Busch Light.

But Doukeris said the company will provide financial support to frontline workers impacted by the boycott, including truckers, sales representatives, bar owners, servers and more.

His comments came after Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth, who oversees the company's North American zone, released a statement April 14. Whitworth said the company never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. He didn't mention Mulvaney, nor did he include a specific example of the company causing division.

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Mulvaney, a University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music alumna, partnered with Bud Light for a promotional contest it ran in March. Bud Light sent her a personalized beer can to commemorate the 365th day of her "Days of Girlhood" series.

The musical theater grad also partnered with Nike last month for sponsored social media posts. While many celebrities, politicians and fans have supported Mulvaney, others have criticized the partnerships and said they would boycott the brands.

Anheuser-Busch InBev said it would increase investment in Bud Light as it continues to deal with declining sales due to the controversy and boycott.

“With this perspective of our global context, we believe we have the experience, resources and partners to manage this,” Doukeris said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO on Dylan Mulvaney: This was one influencer