AllState CEO Lectures Americans After Terror Attack, Laments ‘Addiction to Divisiveness’ at Sugar Bowl

By Dylan Gwinn

Tom Wilson, the chairman and chief executive officer of Allstate – sponsor of the Sugar Bowl – sparked severe backlash on social media Thursday afternoon after his statement following the New Year’s Day terror attacks in New Orleans.

Just before the start of the game, Wilson delivered a video statement in which he suggested Americans have an “addiction to divisiveness” and need to “accept people’s imperfections and differences.”

NEW: Allstate CEO Tom Wilson says Americans need to overcome their “addiction of divisiveness” and “accept people’s differences” following the terror attack in New Orleans.

If only Shamsud Din Jabbar had heard this message two days ago!

The comment was made at the start of the… pic.twitter.com/WDPWZhPrru

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 2, 2025

“Our prayers went to victims and their families,” Wilson told viewers. “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.”

Early morning revelry following New Year’s celebrations was shattered around 3:15 Wednesday morning as a driver drove a truck into a crowd, killing or injuring dozens. Then, the driver, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, exited the vehicle and opened fire on police, wounding two law enforcement officers.

Din Jabbar was killed in the firefight with the officers. Authorities also found an ISIS flag attached to Din Jabbar’s truck.

X users accused Wilson of reacting in a tone-deaf and “limp-wristed” manner.