Over 100 Acts Boycott SXSW Festival Over Military Sponsorships

Artists and speakers withdraw in protest of the event's ties to the U.S. Army and defense contractors, sparking a debate on the ethics of military sponsorship in cultural events.

Over 100 acts, primarily from Europe, have boycotted the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, due to its military sponsorships, including the U.S. Army and defense contractors like RTX and BAE Systems.
The boycott, led by the Austin For Palestine Coalition, protests the sponsors' involvement in Israel's war in Gaza, highlighting the use of their weapons against Palestinians.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's response to the boycott was dismissive, stating those who disagree with the military sponsorship are not welcome in Texas, a stance SXSW organizers publicly disagreed with.
Despite the controversy, SXSW defends its military sponsorships, arguing the defense industry's role in advancing technology and its commitment to human rights.
The boycott has prompted discussions on the ethics of military sponsorship in cultural events, with artists and speakers withdrawing in solidarity with Gaza and against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.