Anheuser-Busch saw better performance in Q3 of 2023 despite still struggling in the U.S. after controversy surrounding Bud Light’s brief partnership with a transgender influencer.

The company reported revenue growth of 5%, more than was previously forecasted. Growth in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific helped grow revenue even as the brand experienced weaker sales in the U.S.

Bill Gates still has faith in Bud Light’s parent company—even though the low-cost beer has lost pole position in the industry.

Bud Light’s advertising campaign in April, with the transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney—which included sending her a personalized can to mark 365 days since her transition—became a lightning rod in the US culture wars. In the following months, a right-wing backlash sent sales of Bud Light down, sinking the stock of its parent company Anheuser Busch (AB InBev).

Garth Brooks is a beloved country icon and performer with dozens of hits and millions of albums sold.

But he's had his share of controversy throughout his multi-decade career.

Most recently, Brooks drew backlash after he entered the fray about Bud Light and its partnership with transgender activist and TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney.

America’s top-selling beer is no longer American.

Modelo Especial, the Mexican lager brewed near Mexico City by Constellation Brands, became the top-selling beer in May, overthrowing Bud Light from the top spot it has held for more than two decades. The fall from the top further highlighted how much trouble the Anheuser-Busch brand is in following transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s Instagram post showing off a customized Bud Light can.

Bud Light no longer rules the American beer market.

Modelo Especial overtook the brand as the top-selling U.S. beer in May, punctuating a monthslong boycott of Bud Light that has reshuffled the beer industry. 

Modelo represented 8.4% of U.S. retail-store beer sales in the four weeks ended June 3, compared with 7.3% for Bud Light, according to an analysis of Nielsen data by consulting firm Bump Williams.

Bud Light no longer holds the title as America’s most popular beer amid ongoing boycotts against the brand over its decision to wade into radical political waters by partnering with a transgender influencer.

Modelo Especial replaced Bud Light as the top-selling beer in May. Bud Light parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev owns Modelo in most international locations except the U.S., where it’s owned by the New York-based Constellation Brands.