Bud Light Faces Backlash Over New Ad Featuring Travis Kelce
Bud Light’s latest advertising campaign starring NFL player Travis Kelce has sparked a significant backlash from the public.
The commercial, titled “Backyard Grunts with Travis Kelce,” has become the center of mounting criticism. In the ad, Kelce and a group of men are shown grunting as they enjoy Bud Light.
The advertisement was seen as a deliberate attempt by the beer brand to reconnect with its traditional audience following the controversy surrounding its previous collaboration with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The partnership had resulted in a boycott and a significant decline in sales, causing Bud Light to lose its position as the top-selling beer to Modelo, with a 28 percent decrease in market share.
The response to the ad has predominantly been negative, with many viewers expressing their disappointment on YouTube and questioning the company’s overall direction. Critics have accused Bud Light of being out-of-touch with its customer base and insulting their intelligence.
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, has also faced criticism for its handling of the situation. The brewing company has been accused of alienating its traditional customer base.
Social media users have specifically targeted Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth for his management of the issue, with former Anheuser-Busch president Anson Frericks calling for Whitworth’s resignation.
“Whitworth has clearly shown himself to be incapable of solving the Mulvaney crisis,” Mr. Frericks said. “He’s had multiple chances and he’s failed.”
“It’s time he did the right thing and stepped aside to make way for someone capable of righting the sinking Bud Light ship,” added Frericks.
Travis Kelce, the NFL tight end who remains a formidable force on the field as a key player for the defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs, has also faced backlash from viewers who accused him of “selling out.”
The effectiveness of future marketing strategies in regaining Bud Light’s traditional consumers and repairing the bond between the beer giant and its longstanding audience remains uncertain.
