The CEO made a careless mistake.
Brett Favre is no stranger to delivering strong performances in high-pressure situations, and he believes Allstate CEO Tom Wilson fell short in this regard. Wilson stirred controversy on Thursday when he addressed viewers in a message that referenced the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, which claimed 14 lives. In his message, Wilson called for unity, urging Americans to rise above their “addiction to divisiveness” and to “accept people’s imperfections and differences.”
Wilson’s statement, made after the tragedy, expressed sympathy for the victims and emphasized the need for collective strength to overcome negativity. He encouraged support for Allstate’s work in local communities, promoting trust and positive change. However, Favre strongly criticized this approach, especially in the context of the Sugar Bowl. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Favre condemned ESPN’s decision to not air the national anthem and took issue with Wilson’s “DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) message, calling it a “woke” move that detracted from the gravity of the situation.
Favre’s comments sparked widespread backlash, with many on social media calling for a boycott of Allstate and urging for Wilson’s removal. In response to the criticism, Allstate issued a statement clarifying that Wilson unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack and stood with the victims and the New Orleans community. The statement further explained that Wilson’s comments about divisiveness were meant to promote trust and positivity in communities across the U.S.
The attack in New Orleans occurred early Wednesday morning, when Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of revelers, killing and injuring many. Jabbar then opened fire on responding police officers, injuring two before being killed in the exchange of gunfire. Authorities later discovered an ISIS flag attached to Jabbar’s truck, identifying the attack as an act of terrorism.
