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HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA – MAY 24: Charles Barkley commentates from the booth during The Match: Champions For Charity at Medalist Golf Club on May 24, 2020 in Hobe Sound, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images for The Match)

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HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA – MAY 24: Charles Barkley commentates from the booth during The Match: Champions For Charity at Medalist Golf Club on May 24, 2020 in Hobe Sound, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images for The Match)
NBA legend Charles Barkley never beats around the bush. The former Phoenix Suns superstar is known for his hard-hitting opinions. This time, the 60-year-old got on a stage to publicly support a $97 billion beer company that took a massive hit in its market value for collaborating with a transgender social media influencer. Over twenty years as the no.1 in the market, the people’s go-to brand conceded a market drop of nearly 25% in just a few days. In an attempt to save the company from further downfall, Barkley not only addressed the collaboration but also took time to extend his support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
On several other occasions, Barkley has been a rebel to go against even millions to support what’s right. However, this time, the NBA analyst had some words of support!
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Charles Barkley wins over the crowd with his supportive words
‘Bud Light’, owned by Anheuser-Busch, decided to get creative to promote their brand. Keeping young teens as their target audience, the beer company decided to join hands with Dylan Mulvaney. However, the 26-year-old trans influencer’s impact on the brand was a lot different, as the company faced some severe backlash.

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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 28: Charles Barkley talks with fans prior to the matchup between the Auburn Tigers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Auburn, AL. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Ruling the market at the top for over two decades, ‘Bud Light’ got dethroned by a Mexican brand, “Modelo Especial” after the collab. Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon was seen celebrating his first ring with some Modelos in the championship parade.
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However, Barkley is not the one to switch. Unbothered by the severe criticism, the basketball legend shared a few harsh words to show his strong support for the LGBTQIA+ community. In an open stage, Barkley shared, “If you’re gay, bless you if you’re trans, bless you. If you have a problem with that, F*** YOU! “
Charles Barkley: “If you’re gay, bless you if you’re trans, bless you. If you have a problem with that – F*CK YOU!” pic.twitter.com/eQID66Q2eS
— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) July 14, 2023
Clearly, the 11-time All-Star did not hold back! But what led to all the controversy?
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Trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney escapes the wrath
While Barkley fought for the $97 billion company, Mulvaney decided to take a break from the States. The 26-year-old revealed on her social media she was “no longer feeling safe” and thus decided to spend some time in Peru.
However, social media platforms lately have shown some support for both Mulvaney and Barkley. Especially to the ‘Inside the NBA’ host’s latest speech. However, there is still a long path ahead for both Mulvaney and ‘Bud Light’ to overcome the severe backlash. Importantly, the billion-dollar beer company has a lot of damage control to do in order to regain the top spot.
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Only time shall let us know! What are your thoughts on Charles Barkley’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community?
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