A mural in Providence, Rhode Island, depicting Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was murdered in the United States last year, is to be removed following criticism from the city's mayor. The artwork, painted on the side of The Dark Lady, an LGBTQ+ bar, had drawn support from tech billionaire Elon Musk and influencer Andrew Tate.
Mayor Brett Smiley called the mural “divisive” and said it did not represent Providence. In a statement, he said: “The murder of the individual depicted in this mural was a devastating tragedy, but the misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like this across the country is divisive.” He encouraged support for local artists whose work brings people together.
Zarutska, 23, was stabbed to death while riding a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August 2025. The suspect, Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr, has been charged with first-degree murder. The case led to the passage of Iryna’s Law in North Carolina, tightening pretrial release and mental health evaluation rules.
Artist Ian Gaudreau, who painted the mural, expressed disappointment at the mayor’s call for its removal before he could finish his statement. He said the artwork was meant to combat political agendas and highlighted the horror of Zarutska’s death, particularly that no one held her hand as she died. Gaudreau confirmed the mural was funded by a nonprofit organisation mostly financed by Elon Musk, but did not comment on Andrew Tate’s reported involvement.
The Dark Lady confirmed the mural would be removed, saying in an Instagram statement: “We heard you PVD… After reflecting and learning, we have made the decision to discontinue this project.” The bar apologised and pledged to continue fostering unity and safety.
Zarutska’s mother, Anna, attended President Trump’s State of the Union address in February, where Trump recounted her daughter’s final moments. The removal of the mural has sparked debate about the role of outside funding in local art and the representation of tragic events.
