Texas Gov. Abbott Slams Bands Boycotting SXSW Over Military Sponsorship

‘If you don’t like it, don’t come here,’ says Gov. Abbott.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference in Austin, Texas, on March 15, 2023. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

South by Southwest (SXSW), a conference and collection of film, television, and music festivals held every March in Austin, Texas, has set the stage for controversy this year.

Over 100 bands and musicians have reportedly pulled out of their performances over the event’s ties to the U.S. Army, leading Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a response on social media.