Photo Credit: Remigiusz Józefowicz / CC by 2.5
Spice Girl Mel C has announced she will no longer be performing in Poland at a New Year’s Eve concert.
Mel C released the statement on Twitter, confirming she will miss the show. “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,” the statement reads.
“I hope to be back there very soon. Hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2023,” Mel C’s statement concludes. The statement doesn’t elaborate on the ‘issues,’ but it’s presumed she’s speaking of the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Deadline, the show in which Mel C would participate was put on by Poland’s public broadcaster TVP. TVP has been accused of fueling hateful propaganda against the LGBTQ+ community within the country. The Spice Girl’s defense of gay rights was officially recognized by the British LGBT Awards in 2021.
There are numerous LGBT-free zones established throughout Poland by its conservative leadership within the country. Around 100 towns and regions across Poland–a third of the country–have passed resolutions declaring themselves LGBT-free zones.
But in July 2022, Polish appeals court rules that these zones must be scrapped in at least four municipalities. Party because the EU Commission introduced a clause in its Partnership Agreement with Poland that would prevent any LGBT-free zones from receiving funds from the 2021-2027 budget. The laws violate EU law regarding non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Many fans on Twitter supported the singer in her decision not to appear at the Polish New Year’s Eve concert. Homosexuality has been legal in Poland since 1032, but same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized within the country. A statement issued by Polish TV said Chisholm resigned from the show “under the pressure of online comments.”