Spice Girls singer Mel C canceled her scheduled New Year’s Eve performance in Poland, which prompted LGBT activists to celebrate her decision.
The 48-year-old British singer did not specify her reason for canceling the show. Still, followers were convinced that she decided to pull out because of Poland’s anti-LGBT stance.
“In light of some issues that have been brought to my attention, that do not align with the communities I support, I’m afraid I will no longer be able to perform in Poland as planned on New Year’s Eve,” Mel C, whose real name is Melanie Jayne Chisholm, shared on Twitter.
“I hope to be back there very soon. Hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2023. Melanie xxx.”
Followers were thrilled with what they saw as a stance in favor of the LGBT community.
“I’m super proud of you, my dear. [These] small things change the world. Thanx,” one follower wrote.
“The best ally,” another person agreed.
“Thank you for not only being here for us, but also by us,” a third person chimed in. “We love you Mel.”
The New Year’s Eve show is being staged by Polish state broadcaster TVP. They said the Spice Girls member pulled out “under the pressure of online comments,” per the BBC. Many followers were thrilled to hear Mel C canceled the show.
Mel C is a well-known LGBT rights activist. The British LGBT Awards gave her the celebrity ally prize in 2021, and she was also named “Honorary Gay” by Attitude magazine earlier this year, the publication noted.
Poland is well known for having a strong stance on traditional marriage. In 2020, President Andrzej Duda said the LGBT movement was “more destructive” than communism. Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in the mostly Catholic country, and same-sex couples cannot legally adopt children.
Over one-third of the country has established “LGBT-free zones,” or places where state and local laws seek to preserve traditional marriage, per CNN. But the Polish US Embassy confirmed that those individuals are still protected from violence or discrimination just like all other citizens of the country.
“They are declarations that represent the views of local officials on issues of moral salience, and may be viewed as both a voice within a larger discussion on gender and sexuality as well as a manifestation of the freedom of expression,” a statement on the laws says in part. “All individuals in Poland, including members of the LGBT community, have the right to full protection against hate, violence and discrimination.”