SXSW Caught in Immigration Debate After Artist Bows Out Due to Controversial Contract
Told Slant won’t perform at the festival over a contract provision stating that immigration agents may be contacted if acts perform “in ways that adversely affect the viability of their official SXSW showcase.”
A New York musician tweeted Thursday he will no longer perform at the SXSW Music Festival over a contract provision stating that U.S. immigration agents may be contacted if an international artist violates the performance agreement.
SXSW organizers responded by saying that Felix Walworth, who goes by the stage name Told Slant, had misunderstood their policies and that no artist in the festival’s 30-plus-year history had been reported to federal immigration agents.
Walworth’s tweet drew swift reaction on social media and comes amid heightened fears of immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump. Walworth singled out a portion of the event contract that states “SXSW will notify the appropriate U.S. immigration authorities” if organizers determine an artist acts…
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