Budweiser Drops Winter Olympics Parties In Sochi: Report [UPDATED]

Budweiser Drops Winter Olympics Parties In Sochi: Report
Budweiser beer is shown in the aisles of Elite Beverages in Indianapolis, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Budweiser beer is shown in the aisles of Elite Beverages in Indianapolis, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

UPDATE: 7:15 p.m. -- In an email to The Huffington Post, a representative for Anheuser-Busch said the company is not sponsoring the Sochi Olympics and did not have "any plans to bring Club Bud to these games."

The statement continues:

Our only ongoing involvement with the Olympic movement is through our U.S. business, which has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Olympic Committee and Team USA under our Budweiser brand.

Previously:

Budweiser has reportedly dropped its traditional Olympics party spot because the company is uncomfortable with the situation in Sochi.

A representative for Anheuser-Busch confirmed to TMZ that Budweiser's Club Bud party spot will not be in Sochi. While the rep would not give a specific reason for the cancellation, TMZ reported "the company is not comfortable with the situation in Russia" and does not want U.S. brand reps there because "the terrorist threat is simply looming too large."

A media contact for Anheuser-Busch was not immediately available for further comment. The company has brought Club Bud to several Olympics in the past.

A new CNN/ORC poll revealed 57 percent of Americans think a terrorist attack at the Sochi Games is likely. Of the 1,000-plus people polled, 55 percent said they have an unfavorable view of Russia. This number is likely reflective of sentiment regarding the nation's anti-gay laws, CNN noted.

Russia has come under fire for its "homosexual propaganda" law, which makes it illegal to "spread information about non-traditional sexual behavior" to minors.

Many have called for a boycott of various Olympic sponsors, the Associated Press notes. These sponsors, along with the International Olympic Committee, have spoken out against discrimination and insisted those gathering for the games will not be affected by the anti-gay legislation. However, these brands have not specifically spoken out against Russia.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot