Anheuser-Busch U.S. (A-B) CEO Brendan Whitworth made his first major media appearance this morning since the conservative-led boycott of Bud Light began two months ago, appearing on CBS’ morning show. 

In an “exclusive” interview with CBS Mornings anchors Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Vladimir Duthiers, Whitworth sidestepped several questions about the Bud Light promotion with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman who documents her life on social media, while ultimately saying he is accountable for everything that happens with the world’s largest beer manufacturer’s U.S. operations. 

Whitworth described the ensuing weeks as “challenging,” while acknowledging that “the conversations surrounding Bud Light has moved away from beer” and “become divisive.” 

“Bud Light really doesn't belong there,” he continued. “Bud Light should be all about bringing people together.”

Asked about the intention with the single-can promotion with Mulvaney, Whitworth called it “a gift” and “one can.” He tried to shift the conversation to the impact the backlash is having on the company’s 65,000-person workforce (18,000 U.S. A-B workers and 47,000 independent wholesaler workers) and its consumers.

Brewbound Insiders can read the full interview here.

Less than one month after music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a lawsuit against business partner Diageo, the global spirits company has fired back with a motion to dismiss, and has publicly severed ties with Combs. 

The original complaint alleged that the brands Combs co-owns with the spirits group, Cîroc Vodka and DeLeon Tequila, were given worse treatment because he’s Black. Diageo now claims that Combs has “resorted to false and reckless allegations, including numerous defamatory and disparaging accusations.” 

Spirits editor Ferron Salniker has more on the messy divorce.

Vine Street Brewing Co., Missouri's first black-owned brewery, will open later this month in Kansas City.

The two-story, 4,800 sq. ft. brewery, opening June 30, will include a taproom, brewhouse and outdoor beer garden, located in the south end of Kansas City’s historic Jazz District. Co-founders and locals Kemet Coleman, Elliott Ivory and Woodie Bonds Jr. intend for the space to “uplift community voices and create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Kansas City.”

From Ivory, in a press release: 

“There’s glaring underrepresentation in the brewing industry.

“Progress requires a collective effort. We’re grateful the KC scene comes with friends and supporters both within and outside of the industry."

Beers on tap will include Vine Street’s flag Jazzman Black Lager, as well as Maris Pale Ale, Snakes in the Wheat, Life of the Party fruited sour, Heart String West Coast IPA and Paper Bag Thin Mexican-inspired lager.

Read more about Vine Street and its founders’ mission in the press release.

D.G. Yuengling & Son is getting in the U.S. soccer game, partnering with Austin FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team out of Austin, Texas. 

Through the partnership, Yuengling will offer “unparalleled game day experiences” for fans at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium, including:

• Branded concessions;
• Player appearances and meet-and-greets;
• And “unique giveaways.”

Yuengling will also have game-day activations away from the stadium, including pregame tailgates and road game viewing parties.

From Yuengling general manager Pat Pikunas:

“Soccer has an incredible ability to bring people together, and we look forward to engaging with passionate fans around the game and Yuengling beer throughout the season in this new market.”

Read more in a press release here.

Leaders from Dogfish Head, Total Wine & More, Burke Distributing and Bump Williams Consulting will share their perspectives on the beer industry’s performance following the July 4 holiday during Brewbound’s Brew Talks meetup in Boston.

The event will take place Wednesday, July 12, from 3-6 p.m. ET at the Samuel Adams brewery in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Tickets are available now.

The state of the industry conversation will explore insights from Bump Williams Consulting’s survey of brewers, wholesalers and retailers and dive into current market trends at the retail and wholesale levels following the July 4 holiday.

Panelists include:

• Kristen Burke, Burke Distributing chief corporate growth officer;
• Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head co-founder;
• Dave Williams, Bump Williams Consulting VP of analytics and insights;
• Andrea Starr, Total Wine & More, director of beer merchandising.

Brew Talks will also explore what is next for the hazy IPA style and innovation with the leaders of four Massachusetts craft breweries. The conversation will include:

• Dino Funari, Vitamin Sea founder;
• Kimberly Golinski, Wormtown Brewery president and GM.
• Megan Parisi, head brewer of the Samuel Adams downtown Boston taproom;
• Naveen Pawar, co-founder of Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

Castle Island co-founder Adam Romanow will also share an update on the Massachusetts Brewers Guild’s legislative agenda and priorities.