Dylan Mulvaney goes on Rosie O'Donnell podcast after Bud Light deal, talks UC, criticism
Dylan Mulvaney talked about her childhood, social media stardom and more on actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell's podcast this week.
Mulvaney, who attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, made headlines this month after partnering with Bud Light and Nike for sponsored social media posts. Fans congratulated Mulvaney on the partnerships online, while others criticized the brands for working with the transgender TikTok star.
Mulvaney, who is from the San Diego area, said she grew up in a conservative, Catholic home. On Tuesday's episode of O'Donnell's "Onward" podcast, Mulvaney said she "came out to (her) mom as a girl" at 4 years old, but was not supported.
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The 26-year-old revealed she is transgender via social media in March 2022. She documented her journey online, culminating in a one-year celebratory "Day 365 Live!" variety show last month that her dad attended.
Mulvaney also talked about her time at CCM. The actor studied musical theater at the university and graduated in 2019. O'Donnell said CCM was a "wonderful school" for the degree.
"There, I really tried to shed so much of that feminine energy because they train you to be these ensemble, strapping jocks that can lift girls, and I tried to be that and I failed every time," she said. "And now it all makes so much more sense because I was basically conforming to this industry that I – I didn't see trans people on Broadway."
Since documenting her transition on social media, Mulvaney has amassed over 10 million TikTok followers, partnered with brands and met with President Joe Biden to discuss transgender rights. Earlier this month, her partnerships with Bud Light and Nike drew reactions from celebrities. A now-deleted video posted by Kid Rock, which appeared to be in response to her beer sponsorship, showed the singer shooting at boxes of Bud Light.
Mulvaney didn't specifically address the Bud Light backlash, but she discussed criticism in general.
"Even with all the hate and controversy just because I'm trans, it's still worth it because I wake up every day a little bit happier than I was the day before," she said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Dylan Mulvaney goes on Rosie O'Donnell's podcast after Bud Light deal
