Allstate, the sponsor of Thursday's Sugar Bowl contest between Notre Dame and Georgia, appears to have removed CEO Tom Wilson's post-attack message that was aired before the game and sparked intense controversy online.
Just before the game started, Wilson released a video statement suggesting that Americans have an “addiction to discord” and need to “embrace the imperfections and differences of people.”
“Our prayers go out to the victims and their families,” Wilson told viewers. “We also need to come together and become stronger by overcoming our addiction to discord and negativity. Join Allstate in working in local communities across the country to amplify the positive.” , increase trust and accept people's flaws and differences. Together we will win.”
X users reacted viscerally to Wilson's message, threatening a boycott and accusing the CEO of Wilson's tone-deaf and “foot-dragging” response.
The early morning festive mood that followed New Year's celebrations was shattered at about 3:15 a.m. Wednesday when a driver drove his truck into a crowd, killing and injuring dozens of people. The driver, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, then got out of his car and opened fire on police, injuring two officers.
Din Jabbar was killed in a gunfight with police. Authorities also found an ISIS flag affixed to Din Jabbar's truck.
At least 14 people were killed in Din Jabbar's attack.
On Thursday, Allstate issued a statement to Fox News Digital condemning the terrorist attack and attempting to clarify its CEO's message.
“To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all its forms,” the statement read. “We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones, and the New Orleans community. The reference to overcoming division and negativity is a broader effort to foster trust and positivity in communities across the country. It reflects.”
