Apple seems to have learned nothing from Bud Light’s fiasco, but the outcome is surprisingly different this time.
At a Glance
- Apple TV+ features Dylan Mulvaney in a cameo role, reigniting debates on corporate activism.
- Unlike Bud Light, Apple TV+ faces no significant backlash or financial impact.
- Mulvaney’s public profile remains strong, with new projects underway.
- The media industry watches closely as Apple TV+ navigates controversy differently than Bud Light.
Apple TV+ Takes a Stand
In a bold move, Apple TV+ featured Dylan Mulvaney in its period drama “The Buccaneers,” despite the storm Bud Light faced in 2023 for a similar partnership. Mulvaney, known for her “Days of Girlhood” TikTok series, found herself at the center of a cultural tempest when Bud Light briefly partnered with her, leading to a significant consumer backlash and a drop in Anheuser-Busch’s stock price.
Apple’s decision seems to defy the cautious trend observed among corporations post-Bud Light debacle. But here’s the twist—while Bud Light’s core demographic reacted with outrage, Apple’s progressive audience appears largely unruffled by Mulvaney’s appearance, highlighting the different dynamics at play between consumer goods and streaming services.
Public Reaction and Industry Implications
Mulvaney’s cameo aired on July 16, 2025, as she played a guest in “The Buccaneers” who offers advice to a main character. The scene sparked conversations online, with some praising Apple TV+ for its inclusive casting and others seeing it as corporate activism. However, unlike Bud Light, Apple TV+ has not experienced a substantial boycott or financial fallout.
This reflects an important distinction in how streaming platforms like Apple TV+ operate compared to consumer brands. With a subscription-based model and a more progressive audience, Apple TV+ enjoys a buffer from the kind of backlash Bud Light faced. The media industry is watching, curious if this will embolden other platforms to expand LGBTQ+ representation despite potential risks.
Mulvaney’s Continued Rise
For Dylan Mulvaney, the cameo on Apple TV+ is just one of many projects showcasing her rising star. Alongside her acting role, she’s released a debut single, announced a memoir, and launched a solo musical act, maintaining a high public profile and continuing to be a prominent advocate for trans visibility.
Her presence in mainstream media serves as a beacon for trans representation, sparking discussions about inclusion and normalizing diverse identities. While some critics label these moves as “virtue signaling,” the tangible benefits for visibility in media cannot be denied, providing a platform for conversations that many feel are long overdue.
The Bigger Picture
Apple TV+’s decision to cast Mulvaney could mark a turning point in how media platforms approach representation. The contrasting outcomes for Bud Light and Apple TV+ demonstrate the importance of understanding audience demographics and platform context when making casting decisions. As companies navigate the delicate balance between inclusivity and consumer reaction, the lessons learned could shape future strategies in corporate America.
For conservative audiences, the inclusion of Mulvaney might feel like a continued erosion of traditional values, yet the lack of a significant boycott suggests a waning influence when it comes to streaming platforms. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of modern media consumption, where audiences are fragmented and responses to content vary widely.
