Allstate faced significant backlash after a video message from CEO Tom Wilson, played before the Sugar Bowl, was perceived as insensitive in the wake of a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 1. In the video, CEO Wilson urged Americans to overcome an “addiction to divisiveness” and “accept people’s imperfections and differences,” promoting Allstate’s community work. This message was met with online condemnation, with many customers threatening boycotts, deeming it “tone-deaf” given the recent tragedy.
The company has since deleted the video from its social media channels following the criticism. OutKick’s Zach Dean was the first to post that Allstate CEO’s message video has been deleted. Social media users slammed Allstate CEO’s video message on posts of Zach Dean, FoxDigital and other users who shared the same.
“Internet never forgets,” said a user sharing the video
Zach Dean shared the now deleted post with the caption “Incredible”
Replying to Zach Deans’ post several users called for boycott of the brand and one user went to the extent of saying that maybe the brand should change their name to Allahstate, “Maybe they’ll rebrand as Allahstate.”
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, resulted in 14 deaths and dozens of injuries. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, drove a pickup truck displaying an ISIS flag into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The FBI investigated the incident as an act of terrorism, discovering potential improvised explosive devices. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police.
In response to the online backlash, Allstate issued a statement to Fox News Digital, clarifying that Wilson “unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms.” The statement emphasized the company’s support for the victims, their families, and the New Orleans community, explaining that the message about overcoming divisiveness was intended as a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity.
