Coachella 2017 may have the best lineup in years, but fans looking forward to paying ridiculous amounts of money to be surrounded by a sea of sweaty, drunken people might want to do some research into the corporation pulling the strings of the festival.
Philip Anschutz—the owner of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG Live), the company which operates Goldenvoice, the promoter of Coachella—has long been known to support a number of conservative causes. According to The Washington Post, Anschutz has donated money to organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council, and National Christian Foundation, all of which are major anti-LGBT groups.
And as early as this summer, a number of advocacy groups uncovered just how far his conservative ties reach. In a press release this summer, ProgressNow Colorado executive director Ian Silverii in a said:
"Phil Anschutz's extensive influence in Colorado politics has been known for years, but the degree of his support for anti-LGBTQ groups that fund extremist hate groups like Gordon Kligenschmitt's 'Pray in Jesus Name' is shocking. At a time in American history when discrimination and violence against LGBTQ citizens is on the rise, support for pro-discrimination groups puts Anschutz on the wrong side of Colorado, and on the wrong side of history."
According to Greenpeace, the oil and gas billionaire is also a "financer of climate science denial groups" and attends the Koch brothers' twice-annual strategy meetings.
These ties have resurfaced this week after the release of Coachella's lineup on Tuesday.
[h/t: Consequence of Sound
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Eminem Celebrates 16 Years of Sobriety With Recovery Chip
Friends and fans shared messages of love and support.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Simone Biles "Broke Down" After the Backlash Over Husband Jonathan Owens Claiming He Was "The Catch" in Their Relationship
She thought it was funny at first, but it eventually got to her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The Spice Girls Reunite for Victoria Beckham's 50th Birthday Party
Friendship never ends!!!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published