Budweiser was criticized by social media users over a Fourth of July message the company posted Tuesday.
In the 30-second ad, F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Dan Rooney provides a voiceover promoting the partnership between the beer brand and Rooney’s educational scholarship program, Folds of Honor. It comes amid a massive backlash against Bud Light, which is owned by the same parent company as Budweiser, over its partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
“Budweiser has believed in Folds of Honor for 13 years,” Rooney said in the voice over. “Today, we honor our veterans and the 44,000 scholarships awarded to their families. … Service never stops, and neither will we.”
To all who protect America’s freedom, This Bud’s For You.
This July 4th, we're proud to work with @FoldsofHonor to help military families today, and every day. pic.twitter.com/RUO1PbMeMj
— Budweiser (@budweiserusa) July 4, 2023
The tweet from the company read, “To all who protect America’s freedom, This Bud’s For You. This July 4th, we’re proud to work with [Folds of Honor] to help military families today, and every day.”
Online commenters were quick to blast the company, with some accusing it of using dead soldiers to try to rehabilitate its image after the Mulvaney fiasco.
“Using dead soldiers to try to dig back from sponsoring child drag shows and misogyny is beyond disgusting,” one social media user wrote.
Another person tweeted, “Too late, Budweiser. Too late.”
While another added,”You’re ruined.”
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There were also numerous comments from online users suggesting what the company needed to do was “Apologize.”
“Don’t understand how Budweiser just doesn’t come forward and apologize to all of us for their huge mistakes and make it right! ” one person wrote. “Maybe they would start selling a few beers. The Ad looks great but will not make up for their mess!
Another added, “Folds of Honor needs to find a new partner asap. Partnering with woke globalists is hurting a good cause.”
The ad was posted on YouTube too, and comments there were just as critical toward the beer company.
“No one actually serving, or who probably serves, wants anything to do with this morally bankrupt company,” one person wrote.
“It’s not a boycott, it’s banishment,” another added.
While another commented, “Bud’s determined to drag every past connection down with them. Wouldn’t it be better to apologize, fire those responsible, and start on mending…No? You sure about that, Bud? OK, then, carry on…just continue to ignore your customer base.”
Related: Awkwardness On Tap For Bud Light’s Parent Company As It Accepts Prestigious Award