Budweiser to help restore original murals, ‘empathises’ with hurt sentiments

After finding itself amid controversy for its murals depicting Lionel Messi’s life, Budweiser India has issued a statement addressing the backlash.

 

The statement reads: “We are deeply concerned that the sentiments of the artists and street art community have been hurt and we empathise. Our intention was to inspire fans showcasing the G.O.A.T’s journey, through an art form we love and support. Doing so we have inadvertently hurt sentiments, we have reached out to the artists of the original artworks Bollywood Art Project and St+art India, and will work together to restore these walls – all in good faith. [sic]”

 

Budweiser displayed its mural paintings at prominent locations in Delhi and Mumbai – Hauz Khaz and Chapel Road in Bandra, respectively. The murals, however, were painted over some already existing iconic street art in both locations, leading to severe backlash from the street art and artist communities.