Sugar Bowl corporate sponsor Allstate appears to have removed CEO Tom Wilson's video message from its social media after his comments following the Bourbon Street terrorist attack sparked massive backlash online. is.
In a message played to fans before kickoff of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame, Wilson said that Americans should overcome their “addiction to discord” and instead “addict to people's imperfection.” He said that we should “accept differences.”
Tom Wilson, chairman and chief executive officer of Allstate Corporation, speaks at a CEO Initiative event on Monday, September 25, 2017, in New York City. (Misha Friedman/Bloomberg)
“A tragedy struck the New Orleans community on Wednesday. Our prayers are with the victims and their families,” Wilson said in the video. We need to come together and be strong.”
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“Join Allstate in communities across the country to amplify positivity, increase trust, and embrace people's imperfections and differences. Together, we win.”
The video was poorly received online, with many Allstate customers threatening to boycott the company over its “tone-deaf” message.
A panoramic view of the field before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. (Stephen Lou Iman image)
The video went viral on social media and was even shared by X's Allstate's own social media team. However, Outkick's Zach Dean reported Friday that the post has since been deleted.
Sugar Bowl corporate sponsor CEO criticized for 'addiction to discord' comments after terrorist attack
In the early morning hours of New Year's Day, U.S. Army veteran Shamsuddin Jabbar, 42, drove his car through a crowd on Bourbon Street, tragically killing at least 15 innocent people and injuring dozens more. did. A pickup truck with an ISIS flag on the back.
The FBI, which is investigating the attack, labeled it an act of terrorism and found several possible improvised explosive devices. Jabbar was pronounced dead at the scene after an exchange of gunfire with local police.
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In response to the backlash shared on social media, Allstate issued a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday condemning “violence in all its forms.”
Police investigate a scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. A driver plowed into a crowd celebrating the New Year and began firing shots early in the morning. (Kat Ramirez, Fox News Digital)
“Let me be clear: Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all its forms. 's loved ones, and the community of New Orleans. The reference to Overcoming Divide and Negativity is a broader effort to foster trust and positivity in communities across the country,” the statement reads.
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