Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass ‘truly sorry’ for anti-LGBTQ2 boycott post

Anthony Bass shared a video that claimed there is a 'biblical reason' why religious followers must avoid buying from brands that promote or align with LGBTQ2 rights and activism.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass caused outrage on Monday when he shared a video calling for Christian believers to boycott brands like Target and Bud Light over their LGBTQ2 brand partnerships and products.

Bass, a Jays reliever with a 4.50 earned run average (ERA), shared a reel from the Instagram user @dudewithgoodnews to his own story. The video claimed there is a “biblical reason” why religious followers must avoid buying from brands that promote or align with LGBTQ2 rights and activism.

“Here’s the reason biblically why I believe Christians have gotta be boycotting Target, Bud Light, and any other corporation that’s pushing the things they’re pushing. I think a lot of people make this into a political issue, or they say, ‘Oh, what’s the big deal?'” the video says.

The video called Target and Bud Light “evil” and “demonic” and accused the brands of promoting “darkness” and “shoving it into children’s faces.”

Both Bud Light and Target have been the subject of recent boycotts from right-wing, anti-LGBTQ2 groups. For its part, Bud Light partnered with social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is transgender, for a one-off March Madness contest on her Instagram account. Outcry on social media saw offended anti-LGBTQ2 beer drinkers — including musician Kid Rock — destroy their Bud Light stockpiles.

Target released its annual Pride-themed collection in U.S. stores this month, but later announced it would be moving some merchandise to its storage rooms in select southern states. The decision came after online complaints and in-store confrontations that the company said threatened employees’ well-being.

In a statement to Global News, the Toronto Blue Jays said the team is “committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all.”