Over 70 artists and panellists have boycotted the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in solidarity with Palestine after the festival’s ties with the United States military came to light — the US army sponsors the festival.
The festival, which is held annually in Austin, Texas, “is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture”, according to its website.
“I have decided to pull out of my official SXSW showcases in protest of the SXSW’s ties to the defence industry and in support of the Palestinian people,” Ella Williams, known by the stage name Squirrel Flower, wrote on her Instagram. The singer maintained that she was specifically pulling out of the festival because it platformed defence contractors.