SXSW festival faces backlash over sponsors, artists boycott showcases
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Performers are boycotting SXSW festival due to its sponsorship ties with the U.S. Army and support for Israel. Musicians Ella Williams and Mei Simmones pulled out of official SXSW showcases.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded on social media platform, telling boycotting bands "Bye. Don't come back." He stated Texas is proud of the U.S. military.
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SXSW released a statement saying they welcome diverse viewpoints and respect artists' decisions to protest, citing music as the "soul" of the festival.
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The festival takes place in Austin through March 16 with the Army as one of six "super sponsors."
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Abbott's tweet defending military sparked debate on social media between supporters and opponents of the boycott.