R.A. Jeffreys, the Raleigh, N.C., distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, removed banners that contained the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s logo and “Heritage, Pride & Strength” slogan.
The move came after attorneys representing the North Carolina-recognized, 55,000-member tribe filed a trademark infringement lawsuit. It was unclear whether the suit would go forward.
The Budweiser and Bud Light banners were “offensive because alcohol abuse is often associated with Native American culture,” the lawsuit states.
“Our wholesalers often implement local marketing efforts on behalf of our brands,” Anheuser-Busch said in a statement. “The wholesaler responsible for these signs removed them shortly after a complaint was brought to its attention, and has since expressed its regrets. Anheuser-Busch respects the Lumbee Tribe and likewise regrets that this occurred.”