More than 80 attendees leave the SXSW event in support of Palestine

An important issue has erupted around the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, a well-known gathering place for technology, cinema, music, education, and culture. Several speakers and artists have withdrawn from the event in protest against sponsors who are connected to Israel’s occupation of Gaza.

According to Al Jazeera, the Austin for Palestine Coalition-organized boycott has gained traction as more than 80 participants withdrew, expressing concerns over the participation of defense industry and US Department of Defense agencies.

Ella Williams, better known as Squirrel Flower, was one of the first performers to pull out, citing her support for Palestinians and disapproval of SXSW’s connections to the defense sector. Williams said on Instagram on March 4th, “I have decided to pull out of my official SXSW showcases in protest of SXSW’s ties to the defense industry and in support of the Palestinian people.” Her choice started a burgeoning movement that has seen other performers, presenters, and artists follow suit.

Notable individuals including labor organizer Chris Smalls and bands like Buffalo Nichols have joined the boycott. Due to the participation of businesses like Raytheon and BAE Systems in this year’s SXSW, Ibrahim Batshon, the founder of the BeatStars digital production firm, said that musicians affiliated with his group would not be attending the event.

Batshon emphasized the moral consequences by saying, “Both of these companies manufacture and provide weapons to the terrorist state of Israel, which is currently conducting an internationally condemned genocide against an occupied and besieged population of Palestinians.”

SXSW has upheld the artists’ freedom to free expression in the face of criticism. Following Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s criticism, which called on protestors not to go to the festival, SXSW reaffirmed its support for the choices made by artists. The festival said on social media that it “does not agree with Governor Abbott.” We are quite appreciative of the choice these artists took to utilize their First Amendment rights.”

SXSW did, however, make an effort to defend its connections to the defense sector by emphasizing the industry’s contribution to technical developments. “Many of the systems we rely on today have historically been tested in the defense industry,” the festival said in a statement. Since these organizations are frequently pioneers in cutting-edge technology, we think it’s important to comprehend how their strategy will affect our daily lives.”