Texas Gov. Abbott tells performers boycotting SXSW over defense sponsors: ‘Don’t come back’

Dozens of musicians and speakers have canceled their appearances at the South by Southwest Festival this week to protest the U.S. Army’s sponsorship of the event.

The festival, which is being held in Austin through March 16, has drawn controversy as some small bands and indie performers have chosen to boycott it due to the United States military’s support for Israel in the Israel-Hamas war, according to CNN. The Army is one of the festival’s six “super sponsors.”

Some performers are explaining their decisions on social media.

Singer Ella Williams also known as “Squirrel Flower” was one of the first artists to pull out.

She said this was “in protest of SXSW’s ties to the defense industry and in support of the Palestinian people,” CNN wrote.

Musician Mei Simmones also wrote the following on Instagram, “we decided to pull out of our official showcases in light of everything going on with SXSW being sponsored by the US army, but we’ll still be playing lots of unofficial shows.”

Governor Greg Abbott responded on the social media platform X after several performers boycotted the festival.

“Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship. Bye. Don’t come back. Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas. If you don’t like it, don’t come here,” Abbott said.

South by Southwest also shared a statement on social media. They said they don’t agree with the governor.