Apple, Netflix Join Companies Pulling Out Of SXSW 2020 Over Coronavirus Concerns

Apple and Netflix have joined a growing list of major companies pulling out of SXSW 2020 over coronavirus concerns. The annual event will draw several hundred thousand participants to Austin, Texas from March 11-22.

In addition to Apple and Netflix, which both announced their exit on Wednesday, Amazon Studios, Facebook, Vevo, Intel, TikTok, Twitter, SAP, The Latinx House, China Gathering and Mashable have all publically canceled plans to attend.

Other companies have initiated travel bans which effectively cancels participation in SXSW and other events.

Apple’s SXSW events were to have included the world premiere of the Jonze-directed “Beastie Boys Story,” featuring band members Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz, according to Variety.

47.8K Sign Petition

As of Thursday, more than 47,800 have signed a Change.org petition, calling on SXSW to cancel because “having an event like this is irresponsible amid an outbreak.”

The 2019 economic impact of SXSW to Austin was estimated at $355.9.

On Wednesday, Austin Public Health Chief Mark Escott said SXSW will proceed as planned despite concerns over the coronavirus.

MORE:

• SXSW Will Go Ahead says Austin Public Health Chief
• Amazon, Vevo, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter Join Growing SXSW Coronavirus Cancellations