PREVIEW

Artists and Speakers Boycott SXSW in Protest of Military and Defense Industry Sponsorships. As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on, dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. The protest is meant to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. "A music festival should not include war profiteers. I refuse to be complicit in this and withdraw my art and labor in protest.", Singer-songwriter Ella Williams, via Instagram. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took to social media to respond to the protest. "Bye. Don't come back." "We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas. If you don't like it, don't come here.", Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X. However, SXSW "does not agree" with Abbott's approach, CNN reports. "We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech." "The defense industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today." "These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it's better to understand how their approach will impact our lives." , SXSW organizers, via statement. The Army's sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world, SXSW organizers, via statement. The annual Austin, Texas, festival lasts until March 16. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT