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Spice Girls star Mel C will not perform at New Year event in Poland over ‘some issues’

Mel C wrote that 'some issues' had been brought to her attention that did not 'align with the communities' she supported

LIVERPOOL, UK: Spice Girls star Melanie C has decided not to perform in a gig for New Year in Poland. The 48-year-old English singer-songwriter shared her decision on Twitter but did not mention the exact reason behind it. She wrote, “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.”

She concluded her statement with, “I hope to be back there very soon. Hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2023.” Though she did not explain what “some issues” she was referring to, many have speculated that her withdrawal came in support of LGBTQIA+ community. The show is reportedly scheduled to be televised by Poland’s public broadcaster TVP.

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Poland and its stand on LGBTQ+ rights

Poland reportedly does not legally recognize people from LGBTQIA+ community. Also, in the past, TVP reportedly helped spread disinformation against gay people. Not just that, many small towns in the Central European nation have announced themselves as “LGBT-free zones," according to Deadline.

A CNN article stated that “these areas, where opposition to LGBT ‘ideology’ is symbolically written into law at state and local levels, have put Poland on a collision course with the European Union and forced sister cities, allies and watchdogs across the continent to recoil in condemnation.”

“Local laws have been contested, and some communities that introduced such legislation have seen their EU funding blocked. But the impact is felt most painfully — and daily — by the gay, lesbian and transgender Poles who live in towns that would prefer they simply weren’t there,” it added.

People hail Mel C

Many netizens hailed Mel C for her choice as one person tweeted, “I’m super proud of you, my dear. This small things change the world. Thanx.” Another tweet read, “You stand by your morals, Melanie. We, Poles, share the same values and we love you for that.”

A user wrote, “Well done, love. I'm Polish and I'd love to see you in my country but not there! Thank you for the support! Greg.” Another user tweeted, “Proud! This is why I’ll continually support you!x.” The third one said, “proud of you!! tx to be part of our community.” The fourth one added, “Actually Mel, you could have accepted the offer and vigorously express your opinion on homophobia, transphobia and violating women's rights in the eye of the tornado. And still earn the money. :)”

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