MLB Pitcher Apologizes for Endorsing Anti-LGBTQ Boycott
MLB) team, apologized on Tuesday for sharing an anti-LGBTQ post on social media.Bass, a 35-year-old native of Michigan, became embroiled in controversy on Monday when he shared a video on his Instagram story promoting a conservative boycott of Bud Light beer and Target stores.
The brands are among the increasing number of companies and products drawing the ire of right-wing figures online over their pro-LGBTQ+ marketing initiatives.Bud Light was initially targeted for a small branded partnership it did with a popular transgender social media influencer.
Target faced calls for boycotts and bomb threats after introducing its 2023 line of Pride Month merchandise. Despite such inclusive marketing and branding initiatives being commonplace among corporations for years, they have become engulfed in controversy in recent months, with some experts pinning the blame on a small number of influential far-right figures orchestrating a plan to make support for LGBTQ+ communities toxic for major companies.Bass has since deleted the video from his account, and on Tuesday, he briefly addressed reporters with an apology for his actions.
He did not take questions from the assembled press and did not elaborate on what motivated him to share the video in the first place.Statement from Anthony Bass: pic.twitter.com/UXLrx1HVO5"I recognize yesterday I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine," Bass said. "I am truly sorry for that.
