Melanie C has pulled out of a gig in Poland after being made aware of issues that “do not align with the communities I support”.
The Spice Girls star had been booked to perform for the Polish state broadcaster on New Year’s Eve as a special guest, but in a statement on social media confirmed she’d no longer be taking part.
“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 penned.
— Mel C / Melanie C (@MelanieCmusic) December 26, 2022
“I hope to be back there very soon.”
Although she didn’t specify the exact reason for her withdrawal, Melanie is a big ally of the LGBTQ+ community, which is believed to have led to her decision.
According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, Poland was recently found to have the worst protections for LGBTQ+ people in the European Union, with same-sex marriage is not recognised and regions of the country enacting symbolic, same-sex free zones.
President Andrzej Duda also vowed to ban LGBTQ+ teaching in schools and prevent same-sex couples from adopting children (via Sky News).
Broadcaster TVP has not commented on her cancellation.