Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas has responded to the anti US army boycott of this year's South by Southwest festival, held in Austin Texas saying: "If you don’t like it, don’t come here".

Several artists, including all 12 of the Irish artists  billed to perform at this year's festival have boycotted the event in protest of the US army's sponsorship of the arts festival.

The bands include Kneecap, Sprints, NewDad, Mick Flannery and Gavin James.

In a joint statement by Cardinals, Sprints, NewDad, Enola Gay and Gurriers the group of musicians said:

"Music From Ireland' bands, will not be partaking in any official SXSW shows."

"We stand in complete solidarity with Palestine and others who have spoke out against, and boycotted SXSW," the bands state in their joint announcement.

"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."

In response governor Abbott tweeted saying:  "Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship. Bye. Don’t come back".

The state Governor added that "Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas".

Concluding Mr Abbott said: "If you don’t like it, don’t come here".

The festival organisers have since responded to the governor's statement saying that they do "not agree with Governor Abbott".

SXSW does not agree with Governor Abbott. https://t.co/fOHHn9r5BG

— SXSW (@sxsw) March 12, 2024

SXSW went on to say that "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".

However the arts festival defended the super sponsorship status of the US Army at the festival saying: "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".

Emphasising their support of the US army the festival said: "The Army’s sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world".

Several artists and high profile figures have responded angrily to SXSW statements with podcaster Blindboy saying: "Oh fuck off, Just don't take money form 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

Israel has received the highest amount of military aid from the US of any country since World War II, exceeding $124 billion military assistance.

The Biden administration twice bypassed Congress to send weapons to Israel since October.

According to latest figures the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 30,000 civilians since October 7th, making it the most deadly conflict of the 21st century.