A controversial statement from Allstate CEO Tom Wilson following a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans is drawing widespread criticism, overshadowing the rescheduled Allstate Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Notre Dame. Originally planned for Wednesday night, the game was postponed to Thursday afternoon after a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, which left 15 people dead, including two with immediate ties to Alabama, and dozens injured.

After the news of the delay was released however, Allstate began the delayed game with a statement from the CEO of the company which has drawn serious criticism from viewers after a refusal to condemn the ideology that led to the attack:

Turned on the Notre Dame – Georgia game for it to start with this ridiculous propaganda from @Allstate on yesterday’s terrorist attack:

“We need to overcome an addiction to divisiveness and negativity… & accept people’s imperfections and differences”??!!!

You’re JOKING. pic.twitter.com/Xiwdek3BoP

— Isabel Brown (@theisabelb) January 2, 2025

“Our prayers are with the victims and families,” CEO Tom Wilson began. “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 people’s imperfections and differences. Together, we win.”

Rather than targeting the radicalism that led to the attack, Allstate appears to be targeting people’s reactions to it.

The backlash intensified when Allstate’s social media deleted the post on Friday. A widespread consensus online is condemning the company of promoting “tone-deaf” message that failed to directly condemn the extremist motivations behind the attack.