Chicago PD is investigating its own Twitter for liking Travis Tritt’s tweet
The Chicago Police Department has launched an investigation into why its official Twitter account liked an anti-transgender tweet by country music star Travis Tritt, the Daily Dot has learned.
On Wednesday, Twitter users noted that the department’s verified account had shown support for Tritt’s boycott of Anheuser-Busch after the liquor company partnered with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney.
The partnership between Bud Light and Mulvaney, a popular TikTok user, sparked widespread backlash from conservatives, though it consisted simply of Mulvaney receiving a commemorative tin that is not for sale.
Scores of right-wing figures protested the announcement, including music artist Kid Rock, who on Tuesday shared footage of himself shooting multiple cases of Bud Light with an automatic rifle.
“Fuck Bud Light. And fuck Anheuser-Busch. Have a great day,” he says.
Tritt soon followed by announcing that he would no longer use the alcohol company’s products during his tours.
“I will be removing all Anheuser-Busch products from my tour hospitality driver,” the country music star said in a tweet Thursday. “I know a lot of other artists who do the same.”
After Twitter users discovered that Tritt’s tweet was liked by the Chicago Police Department, the like was summarily removed. But not before users have given their opinion on the matter.
“Woo boy. Had to check real quick, but yeah, the official @Chicago_Police account just ‘liked’ a tweet from singer Travis Tritt, who vowed to boycott Anheuser-Busch for filming an ad campaign featuring trans rights activist and TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney ‘ wrote one Twitter user.
Conservatives instead responded with applause for the ministry, which appeared to support Tritt’s decision.
“I couldn’t be happier,” said one user. “You think our boys in blue are done with that fairy shit?”
The Daily Dot contacted the Chicago Police Department to inquire about the liked tweet and was told an investigation was ongoing.
“There is an open investigation into this matter,” said a department spokesman. “We will not comment further to protect the integrity of this investigation.”
Similar boycott threats were seen this week after Mulvaney announced a partnership with Nike while sharing pictures of himself wearing Nike leggings and a sports bra.
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*Initial publication: April 6, 2023 3:38 pm CDT
Michael Thalen
Mikael Thalen is a Seattle-based tech and security reporter covering social media, data breaches, hackers and more.