In Rhode Island, a mural depicting Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed, is at the center of a controversy. The mayor of Providence, Brett Smiley, has requested its removal due to its divisive nature.

Mayor Smiley expressed that the mural, still incomplete, has sparked community backlash after it came to light that the project received funding from Elon Musk and Andrew Tate. He emphasized the importance of backing local artists whose work fosters unity instead of division.

The mural, located on the exterior of The Dark Lady, a local gay bar, has drawn criticism following the financial contributions from the polarizing figures. These donations were intended to support a fund aimed at ‘honoring’ Zarutska.

The involvement of Musk and Tate came after Eoghan McCabe, CEO of Intercom, announced on the social media platform X in September that he was offering $500,000 in grants of $10,000 each for murals featuring Zarutska’s image in major U.S. cities.

McCabe provided a contact email for those interested in contributing to the initiative, encouraging public participation in the project.

Musk-Funded and Unregistered 

McCabe left a contact email and mentioned that anyone who would like to contribute should do so. 

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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