Coachella just wrapped its first weekend, with superstars like Lady Gaga delivering killer performances. But behind the neon flower crowns and Instagrammable sunsets lies a twisted truth: Your ticket money is lining the pockets of a far-right mogul hellbent on crushing LGBTQ+ rights, women’s autonomy, and progressive causes.
And guess what? Most artists performing—even the so-called “activists”—don’t want you to know.
As the festival preps for its second weekend (April 19-20), thousands more will flood the desert, blissfully unaware that their $600+ passes are funneling cash into the ultra-conservative machine of Philip Anschutz—the shadowy billionaire pulling Coachella’s strings.
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Meet Philip Anschutz: The Right-Wing Puppet Master Behind Coachella
Anschutz owns Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the parent company of Goldenvoice, the organizers of Coachella since 2001. But while you’re dancing to Lana Del Rey or Blur, your money isn’t just paying for pyro and porta-potties—it’s fueling anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups, anti-abortion campaigns, and far-right Republican candidates.
Here’s where your cash really goes:
- Funding anti-gay extremists: Anschutz has donated millions to notorious hate groups like Alliance Defending Freedom (the same org behind the Masterpiece Cakeshop case) and the Family Research Council (designated a hate group by the SPLC).
- Bankrolling Trump’s allies: His foundation still funnels cash to ultra-conservative politicians, likely including Trump’s last campaign.
- Killing weed legalization: Despite Coachella’s stoner-friendly vibe, Anschutz has fought against marijuana reform.
- Pushing Christian propaganda: He financed The Chronicles of Narnia films because they pushed Christian allegories.
Worst part? After getting exposed in 2018, Anschutz claimed he’d stop donations—but insiders confirm the money never stopped flowing.
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Coachella’s Hypocrisy: Why Are ‘Woke’ Artists Still Performing?
Let’s be real: Lady Gaga, a vocal LGBTQ+ ally, just headlined. So did dozens of other artists who preach social justice—yet they’re happy to cash checks from a man who funds their community’s oppression.
The ugly truth? For most celebs, money trumps morals.
Anschutz isn’t just Coachella’s sugar daddy—he’s “The Owner of LA,” controlling the Lakers’ arena, major hotels, theaters, and more. His empire is inescapable. But by buying a ticket, you’re voting with your wallet—and that vote says you’re okay with bigotry.
See also: Lady Gaga’s Coachella Performance Sparks Disturbing ‘Demonic Rituals’ Speculations
So… Should You Boycott Coachella?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Look, no one’s saying skip Coachella and go live in the woods. But it’s time to stop pretending this festival is all sunshine, music, and progressive vibes. The truth is murkier. The flower crown has wilted.
Whether you’re a fan, an influencer, or a headlining artist, you deserve to know where your money goes—and what it might be doing when the music stops.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Fernando Eslava in Cultura Colectiva.