In a recent interview with Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience, Kid Rock revealed that he formed a friendship with Bud Light CEO Brendan Whitworth following a highly publicized boycott of the beer brand in 2023.
The rocker’s initial outrage was sparked by Bud Light’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, leading to a viral moment where Kid Rock was seen firing at cases of Bud Light with a gun. This action was later described by Kid Rock himself as a ‘tantrum with a machine gun’ during the conversation with Rogan:
‘”Throwing a tantrum with a machine gun? ‘Wah, wah, they wanna let guys play in girls’ sports, wah.'”
He then continued, touching upon his newly-formed friendship with Bud Light CEO:
“We’ve become friends. He’s a great guy. After five minutes of talking to him. I’m like, ‘Dude, you seem like somebody I’d f*ckin’ be friends with, that I’d hang out with.’ And he’s like, ‘You would, that’s what I’m sayin’.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, come to Nashville, come visit me.’ F*ckin’ did! Came with his top team … we broke bread, got f*cked up on Bud Light, f*ckin’ bowled, did all this fun sh*t.”
The visit, according to Kid Rock, involved social activities and discussions about potential business opportunities with Bud Light, though Rock ultimately decided against a partnership to avoid altering his brand or image. You can watch the interview below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXvSqGG6sdw
Reason Behind the Bud Light Controversy
The controversy began on April 1, 2023, when Mulvaney posted a promotional video for Bud Light’s March Madness campaign. Kid Rock’s response was swift and severe, as he took to social media to denounce both Bud Light and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch.
Despite his initial stance, Kid Rock has since softened his position.
Moreover, Kid Rock has recently articulated a more nuanced view on transgender rights and the initial cause of the boycott.
In conversations with Tucker Carlson and Fox News, he showed his support for the transgender community’s right to exist, clarifying that his outrage was directed at Bud Light’s involvement in what he perceived as polarizing social issues rather than at transgender individuals themselves.
He stressed the importance of forgiveness and the need to avoid punishing the company further, keeping in mind that continued backlash could harm everyday workers.
Dylan Mulvaney also weighed in on the situation, expressing disappointment over Bud Light’s lack of public support following the backlash.
