Artists Withdraw from SXSW in Protest of Defense Industry Sponsorship

Several musicians have canceled their official SXSW showcases, citing the festival's ties to the defense industry and support for Palestine as their reasons.

• Musicians including Squirrel Flower and Mamalarky have pulled out of SXSW 2024, protesting the festival's sponsorship by the U.S. Army and ties to defense contractors like Raytheon.
• The artists expressed solidarity with Palestine and criticized the festival for platforming defense industry entities, calling it harmful to working musicians.
• Unofficial SXSW gigs will still feature the withdrawing artists, who aim to continue their performances without supporting the defense industry.
• The Austin for Palestine Coalition has urged SXSW to cut ties with defense contractors and advocate for peace and human rights.
• SXSW's association with the defense industry has sparked a broader conversation about the role of such sponsorships in cultural and entertainment events.

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