Rolling Stone has reported that Coachella's parent company, the Anschutz Corporation made a $75,000 donation to the Republican Attorneys General Association.
The Association asked its supporters with an urgent plea for money after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. "[E]very donation will help Republican Attorneys General combat the Democrats’ pro-abortion agenda and stand tall for life,” they stated.
The Anschutz Corporation owns a large portion of live music giant AEG Presents and have funded the effort as RAGA begins to prepare for the election season.
They want to install an Attorney Genral who will enforce and champion anti-abortion laws in states which abortion rights are in limbo.
In response to the backlash and in a statement to rolling stone, The Anschutz Corporation stated, "The Anschutz Corporation (TAC) has contributed to RAGA since at least 2014,"
"No contribution to RAGA by TAC or Mr. Anschutz has been based upon, informed by or motivated by any RAGA position on Roe or abortion. Mr. Anschutz makes contributions to numerous organizations, usually for specific reasons. He doesn't review or support each of the positions taken by such organizations.
"As a personal matter, Philip F. Anschutz believes in a woman's right to choose and didn't support the reversal of Roe."
So why donate?
The overarching live music organisation AEG Presents is attempting to distance itself from the donation stating that they are firmly, "in support of a woman’s right to choose.
"As owner and producer of many of the most inclusive festivals and venues on the planet, we have taken strides to make our position on this clear. We remain, as ever, committed to choice, freedom and access to full reproductive health options for women."
TAC has consistently donated to right wing groups, donating to anti-LGBTQIA+ organisations, Family Research Council and National Christian Foundation.
