"Controversy at SXSW: Musicians Boycott Over U.S. Army Sponsorship"

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and SXSW engage in a social media spat after as many as 60 bands drop out of the Austin-based festival to protest its ties to the U.S. Army and defense contractors. The governor told the bands not to come back, prompting SXSW to assert its support for diverse viewpoints and free speech. The band boycott stems from the festival's sponsorship by the U.S. Army and the participation of defense contractors and Department of Defense agencies in conference events, with some groups calling for the festival to disinvite these entities and raise awareness about humanitarian issues.