Hasnain says:

“ More than 60 artists and participants boycotted this year’s festival over SXSW’s ties to defense groups that supply Israeli weapons in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The U.S. Army was a “super-sponsor” of the 2024 festival, and Collins Aerospace, a company under defense conglomerate RTX Corporation (f.k.a. Raytheon), also participated. “A music festival should not include war profiteers,” said Squirrel Flower, one of the first artists to boycott. “I refuse to be complicit in this and withdraw my art and labor in protest.”

SXSW previously defended its military ties amid this year’s controversy. The festival called the defense industry “a proving ground” for new technology and said working with the Army “is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world.” The Army said it was “proud” to sponsor SXSW, which it called “a unique opportunity.””

Posted on 2024-06-27T02:43:36+0000