The mayor of a Rhode Island city has called for the removal of a controversial mural featuring Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically murdered.

Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence stated that the local community is urging for the mural’s removal after it was disclosed that the project received funding from high-profile figures Elon Musk and Andrew Tate.

“The murder of the individual depicted in this mural was a devastating tragedy,” Smiley expressed. “However, the divisive intent behind those sponsoring these murals nationwide is concerning. I encourage our community to champion local artists whose work fosters unity rather than discord.”

The mural, which was being painted on the side of The Dark Lady, a local gay bar, has drawn criticism following donations from the controversial Musk and Tate to a fund established to “honor” Zarutska.

This initiative began after Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe announced on social media platform X in September that he was offering $500,000 in $10,000 grants to create murals of Zarutska’s face in key U.S. cities.

Musk-Funded and Unregistered 

McCabe also provided an email for contact and encouraged others to contribute to the cause.

The mayor’s office has pointed out that the mural was not commissioned, funded nor registered with the city.

Artist Ian Gaudreau told NBC10 that it was a shame to see the mural politicized, which went against his intentions. 

‘I think everybody was pretty moved by the way that she was just so publicly murdered,’ Gaudreau. 

‘Just the fear in her eyes and the fact that nobody came to hold her hand while she took her last breaths was just pretty horrific.’ 

Gaudreau noted that the project is largely funded by Musk and a collection of online donors. 

‘I hope that this is what people will take away and put aside all of the political vitriol. Iryna Zarutska was a human being with a mother and father, who are still with us and still grieving,’ he said on Instagram.  

Beyond the Portrait 

The owners of The Dark Lady, Randy and Buck, said the mural was meant to honor both Zarutska and a slate of liberal causes in a statement. 

‘This specific mural was created for our community to honor Iryna’s memory, mental wellness, LGBTQIA+ rights, immigration, the war, unity, and anti-Trump policies,’ they said.

However, they confirmed it was on pause until they could show the public the final renderings so its ‘true meaning’ could be known. 

‘We’re sorry for the chaos this has caused,’ the owners said in a statement. 

‘We are progressive Democrats, we do not support Donald Trump or politics of division, and our values are deeply rooted in inclusion, equality, and respect.’ 

Zarutska, 23, was riding the train in Charlotte, North Carolina when a crazed attacker snuck up on her from behind and stabbed her to death on August 22.

The refugee who fled her war-torn home in 2022 bled to death with fear in her eyes as onlookers did nothing to intervene. 

From Art Restorer to Victim 

Prosecutors identified the cold-blooded culprit as career criminal Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, who blamed his despicably violent actions to a schizophrenic episode. 

In the weeks following Zarutska’s gut-wrenching death, prominent – and controversial – individuals have offered financial backing for art pieces in her memory.  

Zarutska was on her way home from work at Zepeddie’s pizzeria in south Charlotte when she was stabbed three times in her neck and hands. 

She was not even on the train for five minutes before she was killed. 

Zepeddie’s posted a tribute to the devoted worker, writing: ‘We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend.

‘Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief.’

‘Since her passing, we have kept a candle burning in her memory – a small reminder of the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into our lives every single day.’

In her obituary, family said that before starting her new life in the US, Iryna graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration. 

She was described as an adventurous young woman who adored animals and traveling. 

‘She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork,’ they said. 

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