2017 is already in full-swing.
Boycott Coachella?
Coachella concertgoers and those who live vicariously through the whimsical social media posts of others were dishearteningly made aware that all of those flower crowns, culturally appropriating accessories and skimpy “festival-ready” outfits might have to be retired prematurely. It was publicized on Friday that Philip Anschutz, head honcho of Anschutz Entertainment Group, is a pretty slimy individual. In case you weren’t aware, AEG owns Goldenvoice, the company responsible for the desperately coveted, nearly-impossible-to get-tickets-to music extravaganza. In addition to personal funds, Anschutz uses the money generated from festival proceeds to fund some pretty awful organizations.
Anschutz Exploration Company, known for suing towns for anti-fracking regulations, is a company helping build those infamous pipelines that people are risking their lives to prevent. The Discovery Institute pushes towards the education of Creationism in public school curriculum. Mission America Coalition aims to impose severe travel restrictions on the HIV-positive people among other heinous discriminatory actions. What makes the news so interesting is that CEO also owns the L.A. Kings hockey team, the L.A. Galaxy soccer team and the Staples Center — home of the Lakers basketball team. The announcement comes mere days after Beyoncé, Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar were set to headline the festival (and after tickets quickly sold out).
