Artists drop out of showcases over U.S. Army sponsorship [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas – Dozens of artists have dropped out of official South by Southwest (SXSW) showcases over the U.S. Army’s sponsorship and the festival’s inclusion of defense contractors.

“Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and BAE Systems, these entities are either sponsoring, funding or supplying weapons for Israel’s assault on Gaza,” said Scott Delgado, with the Austin for Palestine Coalition.

The coalition jumpstarted awareness and has sent hundreds of emails to SXSW leadership. Its website lists more than 60 artists that have backed out over the issue, though Delgado said that number is higher as of Wednesday.

“They’re trying to maintain this facade of a progressive indie festival organization, despite the fact that they’re inviting the CIA, the U.S. Army,” said Delgado. “If SXSW wants to retain its credibility, it really needs to renounce the normalization of militarization within tech and entertainment industries.”

In a post to X on Tuesday, Governor Abbot said, “Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship. Bye. Don’t …