Anheuser-Busch faces backlash over St. Louis brewery closure rumor

In April 2025, a rumor circulated online claiming that Anheuser-Busch had to close its historic brewery located in St. Louis, Missouri. This speculation appeared to stem from various controversies revolving around the company's popular product, Bud Light. Social media platforms saw numerous shares of this rumor, and many users noted the alleged connection between the closure and previous marketing decisions that involved diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which some criticized with statements like 'Go woke, go broke.' The narrative gained traction through posts on platforms known for satire, provoking strong reactions from the public, many of whom interpreted the claims as factual events. Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis brewery has been recognized with National Historic Landmark designation since 1966 and has long been a symbol of the company's identity. Days before the rumor was spread, the same sources had promoted other false claims about the brand, leading to debates over the authenticity of the information shared about Anheuser-Busch. As with many satirical claims, this one was characterized as both humorous and fabricated by the sources from which it originated, raising concerns about misinformation's impact on public perception and trust in the brand. The increased scrutiny on Anheuser-Busch reflects broader themes in consumer behavior, especially in response to corporate policies on social issues. While the initial assumption about the brewery's closure was wrong, the fallout illustrates the volatile relationship between social media narratives and corporate reputations, particularly when intertwined with hot-button issues.