Allstate removes social media post of CEO's controversial Sugar Bowl message amid backlash
Allstate, corporate sponsor of Sugar bowl, appeared to resign from social media in a video message from CEO Tom Wilson after his comments following the Bourbon Street terror attack sparked massive online backlash.
In a message played to fans before kickoff of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame, Wilson said Americans should overcome their “addiction to separation” and instead “accept the imperfections and differences of people.”
Tom Wilson, chairman and CEO of Allstate Corp., speaks during the CEO Initiative event in New York City on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. (Misha Friedman/Bloomberg)
“On Wednesday, tragedy struck the community of New Orleans. Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We also need to be strong together by overcoming the addiction to division and disagreement,” Wilson said in the video.
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“Join Allstate working in local communities across America to foster positivity, foster trust and embrace people's imperfections and differences. Together we win.”
The video was not well received online, with many Allstate customers threatening to boycott the company because of its “tone-deaf” message.
A general view of the field before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs at the Caesars Superdome. (Photos by Stephen Lew-Imagn)
The video went viral on social media and was even shared by Allstate's X communications team. However, OutKick's Zach Dean reported on Friday that the post has since been removed.
MAJOR SUGAR BOWL COMPANY SPONSOR DEPARTED WITH STATEMENT OF 'DIVING ADDICTS' AFTER HORRIFIC ATTACK.
At least 15 innocent people were tragically killed and scores of others injured early on New Year's Day, when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a US Army veteran, plowed into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street using the sidewalk. a truck with an ISIS flag on the back.
The FBI investigating the attack has labeled it as act of terrorism, and get better explosives. Jabbar is said to have died at the scene after a shootout with local law enforcement.
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In response to the controversy shared on social media, Allstate issued a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday condemning “violence of all kinds.”
Police are investigating a crime scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The driver drove into crowds of New Year's Eve revelers and began firing a weapon in the wee hours of the morning. (Kat Ramirez of Fox News Digital)
“To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence of all kinds. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming division and misogyny demonstrates that broad commitment to promoting trust and hope in communities across the country all,” read the statement.
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