Angry responses to SXSW statement on sponsorship by arms manufacturers: "Don't take the money from the people who make the bombs that kill toddlers"

Reactions from musicians, celebrities and politicians have been pouring in after Austin arts festival SXSW issued an official statement on the role of the US army as "super sponsor" of the event, as well as sponsorship from arms manufacturers.

The festival which is based in Austin, Texas, issued a statement, after musicians began boycotting the festival due to SXSW's its affiliation with the US army, and more particularly with arms suppliers to Israel.

Shortly after musicians began boycotting the festival,  Greg Abbott, the Texas Governor took to X to issue a terse tweet which read: "If you don’t like it, don’t come here".

SXSW responded to Mr Abbott's comments saying that the festival does not agree with the Governor.

The festival continued to say: "We are an organization that welcomes diverse viewpoints. Music is the soul of SXSW, and it has long been our legacy. We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech."

In a post on X that has since sparked anger and outrage, SXSW organisers defended the sponsorship of the US army and arms suppliers, saying that "The defence industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today".

The defense industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today. These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it’s better to understand how their approach will impact our lives.

— SXSW (@sxsw) March 12, 2024

Some of the response ranged from English band Benefits who said: "Look fuckers, we'll justify our indie arms fair however the hell we like. Sit down, shut up, watch a band, go to a comedy gig, catch a film, see how this killing machine will impact lives, have a hot dog, shut up" to Canadian hardcore punk band Fucked Up's response of "Fuck this festival".

Irish artist's responded en masse with May Kay of Fight Like Apes describing the tweet as "an incredibly bad statement."

Drag Queen, bar owner and gay rights activist Panti Bliss described the statement as "Beyond embarrassing".

Meanwhile podcaster and author Blindboy posted: "Oh fuck off. Just don't take money from the people who make the bombs that kill toddlers".

oh fuck off. just don't take the money from the people who make the bombs that kill toddlers. https://t.co/FCj876EsJF

— The Blindboy Podcast (@bbboatclub) March 13, 2024

Author Sarah Clancy responded to the statement saying: "I think anyone looking at Gaza right now can see exactly how these technologies are impacting lives. Boycott the absolute hell out of them. I'm so proud of our Irish artists, solidarity in action.  Catherine Martin there is no way you should be there when the artists say no."

Indie three piece Nerves' responded saying: "I can’t believe someone typed this shit out in the hopes that it would get us all back on board. Fuck SXSW."

i can’t believe someone typed this shit out in the hopes that it would get us all back on board.
fuck sxsw https://t.co/k2EhTwflmQ

— N E R V E S (@nerves_ire) March 13, 2024

Seoda Shows responded to SXSW's statement by saying: "Grim enough that the largest corporations on earth are so prominent at SX now but partnering with actual war mongers?"

Politicians also got involved in the controversy with People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy saying: "Systems like genocide?"

Systems like genocide? https://t.co/sKOHoJabND

— Paul Murphy 🏳️‍⚧️ (@paulmurphy_TD) March 12, 2024

Nuerous artists, including all 12 of the Irish acts, have boycotted the festival in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The list of Irish artists who were billed to perform at this year's SXSW festival reads as follows: Kneecap, Sprints, Cardinals, Gavin James, Enola Gay, Gurriers, NewDad, Soda Blonde, Mick Flannery, Chalk, Conchúr White, and Robert Grace.

In a joint statement by Cardinals, Sprints, NewDad, Enola Gay and Gurriers the group of musicians said: "Sponsorship of the festival from the US army as well as defence contractors/those sending arms to destroy innocent lives is an act we find disgusting and reprehensible.

"It is inherently wrong to taint the celebration of art with links to the genocide going on in Palestine."

Sprints announced today that they will perform two shows in Austin, Texas neither of which are affiliated with SXSW. One is in aid of a local food bank and the other in an Austin micro-brewery.