Overview

• On June 1, the Patriots posted a Pride Month image showing the LGBTQ+ flag at Gillette Stadium with the caption “We celebrate together.”
• Conservative influencers called for fans to shun Patriots merchandise and tickets, drawing parallels to the Bud Light boycott over its partnership with a trans activist.
• Some commenters used racist language to question owner Robert Kraft’s ethnicity, leading to public reminders of his Jewish heritage and philanthropic support for diversity initiatives.
• Supporters of the post said the harsh backlash highlighted why Pride Month recognition remains necessary for fostering inclusion.
• The team has not issued a public response to the controversy and had faced similar criticism following its 2022 Pride Month observance.