AEG CEO calls anti-LGBTQ accusations "garbage"

Coachella started off the new year by domineering headlines with the release of its 2017 line-up (with Radiohead, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar up as headliners), but the festival's buzz was quickly followed up by controversial news about Philip Anschutz, CEO of the live event and concert promoter AEG, the umbrella company of Goldenvoice which owns Coachella, Panorama, Splash House and more.

Anschutz was blasted in an article that outed him for making alleged large sum donations to and in support of anti-LGBTQ organizations including Alliance Defending Freedom, National Christian Foundation and Family Research Council.

In addition, it was pointed out that Anschutz identified as a strong supporter of the Koch brothers, known for their activism in denying climate change.

The feedback on social media was immense and many questioned if Coachella and other subsidiaries of the AEG brand would feel the shockwave of negative reactions (despite the fact that once again, Coachella sold out in a matter of minutes).

Anschutz has finally responded publicly in a statement to Rolling Stone, claiming that all of the circulating information is "fake news" and "garbage" and made an emphasis on his and his company's dedication to employing a "wealth of diverse individuals".

"Recent claims published in the media that I am anti-LGBTQ are nothing more than fake news – it is all garbage. I unequivocally support the rights of all people without regard to sexual orientation," his statement reads.

"We are fortunate to employ a wealth of diverse individuals throughout our family of companies, all of whom are important to us – the only criteria on which they are judged is the quality of their job performance; we do not tolerate discrimination in any form."

As for his donations, he explained that any donations that were made to anti-LGBTQ organizations were made before he was made aware of their initiatives, and that all funding was halted once it was uncovered.

"Both the Anschutz Foundation and I contribute to numerous organizations that pursue a wide range of causes. Neither I nor the Foundation fund any organization with the purpose or expectation that it would finance anti-LGBTQ initiatives, and when it has come to my attention or the attention of the Anschutz Foundation that certain organizations either the Foundation or I have funded have been supporting such causes, we have immediately ceased all contributions to such groups."

****Valerie Lee is Mixmag's US Digital Editor. Follow her on Twitter here****