Like a lazy clip show of a bad TV sitcom, conservatives are digging up old campaigns to build on the Bud Light fiasco, working hard to milk the divisive anti-trans narrative dry.
As the Bud Light controversy unfolded, country singer Travis Tritt and other critics unearthed a two-year-old Jack Daniels marketing campaign that featured drag performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Nike, another collaborator with transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney, faced criticism from former Olympians Sharron Davies and Caitlyn Jenner (a trans woman). Both are vocal opponents of transgender women participating in women’s sports, and they slammed Nike for their marketing campaign, which showcased Mulvaney modeling leggings and sports bras. Six years ago, Jenner endorsed H&M sportswear.
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Miller Lite’s months-old commercial for Women’s History Month also faced renewed criticism when it resurfaced in mid-May. The commercial, featuring actress and comedian Ilana Glazer, apologized for decades of sexist imagery in beer commercials, promising to make it up to women and “clean up not just their shit, but the whole beer industry’s shit.” The campaign was slammed by conservative commentators Joe Rogan and Ben Shapiro, who criticized what they referred to as “identity politics.”
Adidas also came under fire for its trans-inclusive swimwear marketing campaign. Anti-woke critics, including Davies, used the hashtag #AdidasHatesWomen to express their disapproval. Davies also made sure to promote her book in her post.
Starbucks faced mixed reactions after debuting an ad in India depicting a father reconciling his relationship with his trans daughter. While some hailed the ad as groundbreaking and heartwarming, commentators like Ben Shapiro criticized the coffee giant for its portrayal of transgender issues. Although Shapiro was mocked when he ignorantly accused the coffee chain of “exporting the transness to India.” For millennia, India has subscribed to the concept of a third gender — known as “hijra.”
In a resurgence of controversy, a two-year-old campaign from Ford resurfaced. The campaign involved the creation of the “Very Gay Raptor,” a Ranger Raptor car adorned with rainbow colors. Critics, including conservative pundit Dave Rubin, recirculated the campaign, reigniting debates around internet trolls and the company’s response. The carmaker was accused of destroying “120 years of American history in one minute.”
Last week, GOP Senators Ted Cruz of Florida and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, opened an investigation into Bud Light, alleging that in working with (26-year-old adult) Mulvaney, the company was targeting underage consumers.
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