Transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney has recently embarked on a trip to Peru, citing concerns for personal safety in the United States. Mulvaney’s collaboration with Bud Light in April led to a significant backlash and has been widely regarded as one of the most disastrous ad campaigns in recent history.
In multiple social media videos, Mulvaney shared their experiences during the sabbatical in Peru, which has sparked both support and controversy for over four months.
Surprising their followers on TikTok, Mulvaney revealed their current location – Machu Picchu in Peru! Expressing their admiration for the stunning beauty of the country, Mulvaney explained that they chose Peru as a destination to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
It seems that Mulvaney’s decision to leave the United States stems from the intense backlash received after collaborating with Bud Light. Mulvaney has mentioned that they wanted to “feel something,” and have even partaken in various shaman ceremonies, which they claim have been more impactful than therapy. They also expressed feeling safer in Peru compared to their home country.
The detrimental effects of the Dylan Mulvaney advertising campaign have undeniably taken a toll on Bud Light and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch. The boycott of Bud Light has been ongoing for over four months and has resulted in significant declines in sales. Some weeks have even seen a staggering 30% decrease in sales compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, Anheuser-Busch has suffered billions in market value losses, and Bud Light has lost its long-held title as the number-one-selling beer in America to Modelo Especial. The damage to Bud Light’s brand image caused by the Mulvaney crisis may be irreparable, with predictions of the boycott lasting indefinitely.
Mulvaney has also criticized Bud Light for not standing up for them during the backlash, claiming that lack of support contributes to the acceptance of transphobia and hatred. They revealed the personal impact of the backlash, including feeling scared to leave their house, experiencing public ridicule, and enduring a deep sense of loneliness. Mulvaney emphasized that their experience, though privileged, reflects the even harsher reality faced by many other transgender individuals.
To get a better sense of the controversy, take a look at the embedded video clip below.
