A mural depicting Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed, is at the center of a controversy in Rhode Island, with calls for its removal by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.
Mayor Smiley has voiced concerns over the mural, which remains incomplete, following the revelation that the project received funding from high-profile figures Elon Musk and Andrew Tate.
“While the murder of Iryna Zarutska was an unimaginable tragedy, the divisive nature and intentions behind such projects, especially those funded by individuals like these, do not align with our community values,” Mayor Smiley stated. “I encourage support for local artists whose creations foster unity rather than division.”
The mural, located on the wall of The Dark Lady, a local gay bar, has become a point of contention after Musk and Tate contributed to a fund aimed at “honoring” Zarutska.
The initiative was sparked by Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe’s announcement on social media platform X in September, where he offered $500,000 in $10,000 grants to paint murals of Zarutska’s likeness in major US cities.
McCabe provided contact information for those interested in participating or contributing to the effort.
The mayor’s office has pointed out that the mural was not commissioned, funded nor registered with the city.
The Democrat mayor of Providence, Rhode Island has called for the removal of a mural to honor slain Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and called its funders, including Elon Musk, ‘divisive’
The mural was left unfinished as Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that they wanted it erased from the side of a local gay bar called The Dark Lady
An artist fund devoted to creating murals to honor slain Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska (pictured) has received hefty donations from divisive figures
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.
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.
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Smiley’s objection to the mural appears to come from its links to a fund devoted to creating art to honor Zarutska that received contributions from Musk and Andrew Tate
Artist Ian Gaudreau said that it was a shame to see the mural politicized, which went against his intentions
‘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.
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.
Gaudreau noted that the project is largely funded by Musk and a collection of online donors
Horrific footage captured the moment Ukrainian refugee Zarutska (pictured) was stabbed to death from behind as she sat on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22
The Irish AI entrepreneur gesture seemingly inspired other big names to follow suit, including Tesla founder Musk and internet personality Tate
‘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.
