Allstate CEO Tom Wilson’s attempt to address the New Orleans terror attack backfires, sparking widespread criticism and calls to cancel policies.
At a Glance
- Allstate CEO Tom Wilson faced backlash for comments following a terror attack in New Orleans
- The attack resulted in over a dozen deaths and over 30 injuries on New Year’s Day
- Wilson’s video message was criticized as tone-deaf and insufficient
- Conservative voices urged policy cancellations in response to Wilson’s statement
- Allstate issued a clarifying statement reaffirming their stance against terrorism
Terror Strikes New Orleans
On New Year’s Day, New Orleans was rocked by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of over a dozen people and left over 30 injured. The incident, which occurred just before the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, led to the postponement of the event and sent shockwaves through the community.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, was killed by police during the attack. Authorities are investigating the incident as a terrorist act, with evidence suggesting ties to ISIS. An ISIS flag found on Jabbar’s truck used during the attack has raised concerns about a resurgence of the terrorist organization.
Allstate CEO’s Controversial Response
In the wake of this tragedy, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson found himself at the center of a controversy due to his video message addressing the attack. Wilson’s statement, intended to promote unity, instead sparked outrage among many viewers who found his words insufficient and tone-deaf.
“Welcome to the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Wednesday, tragedy struck the New Orleans community. Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We also need to be stronger together by overcoming an addiction to divisiveness and negativity. Join Allstate working in local communities all across America to amplify the positive, increase trust, and accept peoples’ imperfections and differences. Together we win,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s portion of the speech that called for unity and overcoming “an addiction to divisiveness and negativity,” drew particular criticism, with many arguing that it was tone-deaf and failed to adequately address the gravity of the terrorist attack.
Backlash and Calls for Action
The backlash was swift and severe. Notable conservative figures, including political commentator Charlie Kirk and Sean Davis, co-founder of The Federalist, voiced their disapproval and urged Allstate policyholders to cancel their coverage.
A jihadist killed and maimed dozens of innocent Americans in a hate-fueled rampage, and the CEO of Allstate thinks Americans watching the Sugar Bowl need a lecture from him on overcoming “an addiction to divisiveness and negativity?”
Absolutely not!! pic.twitter.com/CuyOYoz1mg
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 2, 2025
The criticism extended beyond political figures, with many social media users expressing their disappointment and anger over what they perceived as virtue signaling in the face of a tragic event. The hashtag #CancelAllstate began trending as people called for a boycott of the insurance company.
Time to cancel @Allstate. Do you really want an insurance company that talks about murder and terrorism this way? https://t.co/GYy1W0eahB
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) January 2, 2025
Allstate’s Damage Control
In response to the growing controversy, Allstate issued a statement clarifying Wilson’s position and reaffirming the company’s stance against terrorism. The statement emphasized that Wilson “unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms” and that the company stands with the victims’ families and the New Orleans community.
“To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming divisiveness and negativity reflects a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity in communities across the nation,” read the statement.
Despite the controversy around Wilson’s statement, concerns remain about the potential implications of the attack. Retired FBI agents have warned that such incidents could embolden ISIS and other terrorist groups, particularly in light of recent calls by pro-ISIS outlets for attacks in the US, Europe, and Russia. The New Orleans attack, following a terror attack in Germany, has heightened fears of a resurgence in terrorist activities.
