SXSW Threatens Foreign Artists at 'Unofficial' Events With Deportation

The prestigious South by Southwest Music Festival is threatening to deport foreign-born artists who participate this year, saying they'll face the boot for playing any "unofficial" gigs, The Wrap reports.

The SXSW contract foreign musicians must sign states, "Accepting and performing at unofficial events . . . may result in immediate deportation, revoked passport and denied entry by US Customs Border Patrol at US ports of entry."

The warning has prompted at least one act, the indie-pop band Told Slant, to cancel its scheduled performance at this month's fest in protest.

In a statement, SXSW CEO Roland Swenson told The Wrap that festival officials had "never reported international showcasing artists to immigration authorities" and that "language governing SXSW's ability to protect a showcase has been in the artist Performance Agreement for many years."

SXSW, which kicks off on March 10, is an annual festival of film, interactive media and music performances taking place in Austin, Texas.

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