"Texas Governor Clashes with SXSW Over Musician Protests and Military Sponsorship"

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and SXSW engaged in a social media spat after as many as 60 bands dropped out of the Austin-based festival to protest its sponsor ties to the U.S. Army and inclusion of defense contractors in conference programs. The festival responded by welcoming diverse viewpoints and respecting the artists' right to free speech, while defending the sponsorship as part of their commitment to shaping the world with ideas. The band boycott is centered around the festival's ties to the military and defense contractors, with calls to disinvite these companies and re-evaluate including Department of Defense agencies in festival events and discussions.