Kid Rock made his transphobic views well known in a recent video on social media that has gone viral, where he’s wearing a MAGA hat and shoots up cases of Bud Light.
The offense?
The company teamed up with social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is openly trans.
Nic Zantop, the deputy director of Transinclusive Group, reacted to the video telling SFGN, “Throughout our history, there have always been voices who choose to utilize their platforms, power, and privilege to advocate for equity and a more just society, and others who fuel their desire for attention and relevance by sowing hate and division.”
Mulvaney has partnered with the beer company for a clever social media campaign to promote a sports-related contest where she hugs cans of Bud Light and shows off a one-of-a-kind can with her face on it.
The video is light, tongue-in-cheek fun. Rock response is not.
He posted the video saying, “Grandpa’s feeling a little frisky today,” and then proceeds to destroy four cases of Bud Light using an automatic rifle. He ends the video saying “Fuck Bud Light and fuck Anheuser-Busch. Have a terrific day.”
While Rock, whose real name is Robert James Richie, avoids making a verbal connection, the message was clear to his followers who posted anti-trans comments in support of Rock. Over eight million people viewed the video in the first two days.
Rock is known for his conservative views and support of former president Donald Trump.
Mulvaney’s video has made waves among right-wing pundits and media. Anheuser-Busch responded to the outrage with a statement to Fox News:
“Anheuser-Busch works with hundreds of influencers across our brands as one of many ways to authentically connect with audiences across various demographics and passion points,” the statement reads.
Jason Isbell, a Grammy winner and former member of Drive-By Truckers and, came up with a better way to take on Rock.
“This is finally how we get him. Leave no bigoted beers to drink,” Isbell tweeted in reference to the fact that Rock’s beer of choice Coors Light has had an anti-discrimination policy including sexual orientation since 1978 and started offering domestic partnership benefits to its employees in 1995. In fact, they have an entire web page on their website dedicated to the company’s efforts to promote diversity and equality.
Mulvaney hasn’t responded to Rock’s video, but has posted, “If you are in a position of power to hire someone trans or non-binary, please do! We need to exist in every space. I want to see trans people doing allll [sic] the brand deals.”
Zantop echoed those feelings.
“In a world that is increasingly hostile to trans people, our visibility, leadership, and representation are all powerful forces that advance the fight for equality. In 2023, faced with mounting attacks on our community’s safety, health, and well-being, we need more equality, not less.”
