Melanie C has been praised after cancelling a New Year’s Eve concert in Poland.
The singer was called a “hero” after pulling out of the gig which had been due to take place in the town of Zakopane on Saturday. The mum-of-one, who is originally from Whiston, did so after being made aware of issues “that do not align with the communities I support”.
Although the 48-year-old didn’t not clarify who she was standing in solidarity with, her decision was applauded by the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
READ MORE: Liverpool activist helped organise one of the first-ever Pride in Poland
Marzena Zukowska, a 32-year-old Polish non-binary migrant who lives in the city centre, told the ECHO : “It’s powerful to witness Mel C shed light on what has been happening in Poland. From the so-called LGBT Free Zones to the illegal push backs of Black and Brown migrants at the border, the ruling party in Poland has built its power on dehumanising the most marginalised in Polish society.”
Polish authorities and the TV station, TVP, organising the concert have been widely criticised for their stance on LGBTQ+ issues over the last few years. Currently same-sex marriages and civil unions are not legally recognised and same-sex couples have no legal right to adopt children in the Central European country.
State broadcaster TVP claimed the former Spice Girl had withdrawn “under the pressure of online comments”, according to a statement reported by Polish News .
Marzena added: “Mel C’s decision to not perform at TVP’s New Year’s Eve concert signals that people matter more than profits. TVP has long been a mouthpiece of the ruling party, often seeding divisive narratives rather than sticking to media ethics. Mel C’s example shows that anyone could play a role in highlighting how democratic rights are being eroded in Poland and globally”.
The author, affectionately known as Sporty Spice, made the announcement on her Twitter account on Boxing Day.
She said: “In light of some issues that have been brought to my attention, that do not align with the communities I support, I'm afraid I will no longer be able to perform in Poland as planned on New Year's Eve. I hope to be back there very soon. Hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2023. Melanie xxx."
Amongst those supporting her decision was Guardian columnist, Owen Jones, who said she was a “hero” and Leeds North West MP, Alex Sobel, who wrote: “Good for you.”
The ECHO have reached out to Melanie C's management for clarification on which communities she was referring to.
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