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