Providence Mayor Condemns 'Divisive' Mural of Slain Ukrainian Refugee
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has called for the removal of a mural depicting Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was stabbed to death in North Carolina in August 2025. The mayor described the artwork as "divisive" and criticized the intentions of its backers, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and influencer Andrew Tate.
Mayor Smiley's Statement on the Mural
In a statement obtained by ABC 3340, Mayor Smiley expressed his views on the mural, which is painted on the side of The Dark Lady, an LGBTQ+ bar in Providence. "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 and does not represent Providence," Smiley said. He emphasized the importance of supporting local artists whose work fosters community unity rather than division.
Funding and Backing from High-Profile Figures
The mural's creation was part of a broader initiative sparked by Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe, who offered $500,000 in grants for murals of Zarutska in prominent U.S. city locations in September 2025. Elon Musk pledged $1 million in response, with Andrew Tate matching that amount. This funding has drawn significant attention to the artwork, which aims to honor Zarutska's memory.
Artist's Response and Intentions
Artist Ian Gaudreau, who painted the mural, expressed sadness over the mayor's call for removal. On Instagram, Gaudreau wrote, "As the artist I’m very saddened to hear that the mayor is calling for the art work to be removed before I was allowed to finish speaking." He clarified that the mural was intended to humanize Zarutska and combat political agendas, not to promote division. Gaudreau also noted to NBC 10 that the mural was funded by a nonprofit organization largely supported by Elon Musk, though he did not comment on Tate's involvement.
Background on Iryna Zarutska's Case
Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, fled the Russian invasion in 2022 and was killed while riding the Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her death led to national outcry and the passing of Iryna's Law in North Carolina, which aims to tighten pretrial release and mental health evaluation measures for defendants. Zarutska's mother, Anna, was invited to President Trump's State of the Union address in February, where her daughter's story was recounted.
Removal of the Mural
Following the controversy, The Dark Lady confirmed in an Instagram statement that the mural will be removed. "We heard you PVD," the statement read. "After reflecting and learning, we have made the decision to discontinue this project and will move forward with removal as soon as possible. We remain committed to fostering unity, safety, and care for all members of our community."
The case against Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., accused of Zarutska's murder, continues, with charges of first-degree murder pending. The incident has sparked ongoing debates about public art, community values, and the role of high-profile figures in memorializing tragedies.
