Bud Light removes controversial tag line in #UpForWhatever campaign
Budweiser created a stir on social media over a slogan on Bud Light bottles as part of the “UpForWhatever” ad campaign that critics said promoted rape culture.
The slogan, “The perfect beer for removing ‘no’ from your vocabulary for the night,” was first seen in a photo of a bottle posted on Reddit Monday night, according to CNN.
Many redditors poked fun at the message, commenting “Are you okay to drive?” and “Do you want a Bud Light?”
The photo spread all over social media, prompting Twitter users to tweet at the beer company in an effort to make them realize what kind of message they had printed on their labels. Many were taken aback by the fact that the message was approved, noting alcohol’s connections to domestic violence and rape.
.@budlight is trying to say they didn’t know they were making references to raping someone. How else do I read this? pic.twitter.com/1k7rfjK3PQ— Lyndsay Kirkham (@Lyndsay_Kirkham) April 28, 2015
Budweiser was quick to pull the message. “It’s clear that this particular message missed the mark, and we regret it. We would never condone disrespectful or irresponsible behavior.” the company wrote. “As a result, we have immediately ceased production of this message on all bottles.”
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, almost half of all sexual assaults involve alcohol in the United States.
Contact Kristen DeSilva at 702-477-3895 or kdesilva@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @kristendesilva