CNN dispatched a camera crew to Kid Rock’s iconic Nashville bar, eager to capture the ongoing developments surrounding the controversial anti-trans boycott against Bud Light. The brewing company had found itself embroiled in a heated backlash after partnering with Dylan Mulvaney, a prominent trans activist and influencer, for a social media promotional campaign commemorating the anniversary of her transition. As part of the campaign, Mulvaney was presented with a set of customized Bud Light cans, inadvertently triggering a wave of outrage within the LGBTQ+ community.
In response to the mounting criticism, Bud Light issued what some perceived as a half-hearted apology, further fueling the controversy. Keen to gauge public sentiment, CNN’s Ryan Young ventured to Nashville, where opinions on the matter were plentiful. Seeking insights into the status of Kid Rock’s vocal boycott, the crew eagerly delved into the heart of the controversy.
Garth Brooks, the revered country musician-turned-bar owner, was among those interviewed by Young. Expressing his inclusive stance, Brooks acknowledged plans to offer Bud Light at his forthcoming bar, undeterred by the brewing controversy. Recognizing the importance of acceptance, he affirmed his commitment to fostering an environment that embraced diversity. Meanwhile, just a block away, Kid Rock made his stance on the matter abundantly clear by posting a video that featured him shooting up cases of Bud Light. Although the online realm buzzed with talk of a boycott, CNN’s visit to Nashville revealed that Bud Light was still readily available, leaving uncertainty surrounding the existence or the lifting of the ban.
Bill Fletcher, a marketing executive in Nashville, offered his perspective on the national dialogue surrounding the issue. Drawing parallels to previous social movements, such as those for racial and LGBTQ+ equality, he juxtaposed Kid Rock’s angry and confrontational approach with Garth Brooks’ message of love, openness, and acceptance. Fletcher noted the burgeoning prominence of transgender issues and the ensuing conversation taking place throughout the country.
Venturing onto the streets of Nashville, Young encountered a diverse array of opinions on the Bud Light controversy. Jamie Odren, a tourist, expressed a common sentiment among some detractors, emphasizing the need to avoid forceful promotion. Another anonymous female interviewee highlighted concerns over the potential impact on young minds, suggesting that the brand’s association with trans activism could be inappropriate for children. The varying viewpoints reflected the complex landscape of public opinion.
YOUNG: Garth Brooks says he plans to carry the beer at his yet-to-open bar.
GARTH BROOKS, MUSICIAN, BAR OWNER: I’m a bar owner now. Are we going to have the most popular beers in the thing? Yes.
But I get it. Everybody’s got their opinions. But inclusiveness is always going to be me.
YOUNG: A block down Broadway, Kid Rock made his feelings known when he posted this video shooting up cases of Bud Light.
Despite the online bravado, and talk of a boycott, Bud Light was available when CNN stopped in recently. It is not clear if the ban had been lifted or if there ever had been one to begin with.
Nashville marketing executive Bill Fletcher says the whole country seems to be engaging in the same heated conversation.
FLETCHER: With Kid Rock you have this dark, angry, finger-pointing, shooting a gun at a Bud Light can, and Garth Brooks is — is, hey, I love everybody and openness and acceptance. And I think it’s what you see in the country going back to African Americans, to gay people. Well, now it’s transgender.
YOUNG (on camera): Here on Broadway, where fans from all around the world come to maybe listen to some music and drink some beer, this Bud Light controversy has left a bad taste in a lot of fans’ mouths.
JAMIE ODREN, NASHVILLE TOURIST: It’s quite simple, people just don’t want it shoved down their throat.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No Bud Light. Because it’s like I have grandchildren. We don’t need to put that in the young kids’ heads.
YOUNG (voice over): In Chicago, at 2Bears Tavern, a bar that caters to mostly gay patrons, they also feel strongly about not serving Bud Light anymore. But for the opposite reason. They believe the brand left Dylan Mulvaney alone on an island to face a mountain of hate.
MARK ROBERTSON, OWNER 2BEARS TAVERN GROUP: To be a true ally means that you don’t push us behind the scenes and say, well, I’m going to give you some money but I really don’t want you to be front and center or public.
