In a move that has raised eyebrows among conservative audiences, vodka retailer Smirnoff has hired a transgender woman and drag queen, “Maxine LaQueene,” as one of its paid partners.
This decision comes despite Bud Light’s recent experience with backlash after a similar partnership.
Smirnoff’s choice of LaQueene, an outspoken LGBTQ activist, has led some to question the wisdom of the brand’s move, as it could potentially alienate a significant portion of their customer base.
Several recent Instagram posts from LaQueene feature the official “Paid Partnership with Smirnoff” tags, indicating the major liquor retailer’s collaboration with the biological male for promotional material.
LaQueene, who is not only a promoter of drag and transgenderism but also an activist, had recently been removed from the Texas state capitol building by police for disrupting a legislature vote on a trans bill.
U.K anti-trans and detransition activist Oli London highlighted the connection in a Twitter post, sharing several images, including a paid partnership post, a photo of LaQueene protesting at the capitol, and another of her being escorted out by police while apparently flashing her private parts to bystanders.
London’s tweet questioned whether LaQueene was an appropriate choice for the face of a vodka brand, given her explicit content and radical activism.
Fox News Digital confirmed the claims in London’s tweet by scrolling through LaQueene’s Instagram account.
The first pinned item on the trans woman’s account is a video of her being forcibly removed from the Texas legislature’s upper gallery by police after joining a left-wing protest of Senate Bill 14, which aimed to ban gender surgeries or other sex reassignment procedures being performed on children.
LaQueene’s account also features multiple posts showcasing her promotional material for Smirnoff’s Pride 2023 Ambassadorship.
One such post is a video ad with LaQueene strutting in full drag for the campaign, accompanied by a caption encouraging support for Smirnoff and trans entertainers.
This partnership with LaQueene has drawn criticism, as it mirrors Bud Light’s recent controversial collaboration with a transgender influencer.
By aligning with an outspoken LGBTQ activist, Smirnoff may risk alienating a substantial portion of its customer base, a lesson that Bud Light learned the hard way.
As brands increasingly engage with social and political issues, they must carefully consider the potential ramifications of their partnerships.
In the case of Smirnoff, their collaboration with a controversial figure like LaQueene could prove costly, as they face potential backlash from conservative-leaning audiences who may view their decision as a significant misstep.
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