Anheuser-Busch is looking to clear up the transgender controversy that sparked a boycott on Bud Light beer after sales slipped as a result. CEO Michael Doukeris told investors in a phone call Thursday that the beer company only partnered with controversial influencer Dylan Mulvaney for one post on social media, not a full blown campaign.
Bud Light has had to do a lot of damage control following the partnership. The company is now tripling its marketing spending in the U.S. this summer in an attempt to recover its branding.
Doukeris also announced that Anheuser-Busch will provide financial support to its frontline workers impacted by the boycott, such as delivery drivers, bar owners and servers who have been confronted in public over the boycott.
Bud Light distributors will also be receiving free beer for their troubles since the boycott started.
In the week ending April 22, Bud Light store sales fell 21% compared with the year-earlier period. Meanwhile, rival brands Coors and Miller Lite each grew by about 21%.
