Rhode Island Mayor Calls for Removal of Mural Honoring Slain Ukrainian Refugee

The unfinished mural was funded by controversial figures Elon Musk and Andrew Tate

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:04am

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The Democrat mayor of Providence, Rhode Island has called for the removal of a mural that was being painted to honor slain Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. Mayor Brett Smiley said the community wants the mural removed after it was revealed the project was funded by Elon Musk and Andrew Tate, whom Smiley described as 'divisive' figures. The mural was being painted on the side of a local gay bar called The Dark Lady.

Why it matters

The mayor's objection to the mural highlights the ongoing debate around public art and who gets to decide what is displayed in a community. The mural's funding sources have also drawn criticism, with the mayor arguing that Musk and Tate's involvement makes the project 'divisive' rather than unifying.

The details

The unfinished mural was being painted by artist Ian Gaudreau, who said the project was meant to honor Zarutska's memory. However, the mayor's office pointed out that the mural was not commissioned, funded, or registered with the city. The owners of The Dark Lady, where the mural was being painted, said it was meant to honor Zarutska as well as a slate of liberal causes, but they confirmed the project is on pause until they can show the public the final renderings.

  • In September 2023, Intercom CEO Eoghan McCabe declared on X that he was 'offering $500k in $10k grants to paint murals of the face of Iryna Zarutska in prominent US city locations'.
  • On August 22, 2023, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was stabbed to death on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

Brett Smiley

The Democrat mayor of Providence, Rhode Island who has called for the removal of the mural honoring Iryna Zarutska.

Iryna Zarutska

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was stabbed to death on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 22, 2023.

Elon Musk

The controversial tech billionaire who donated to the fund devoted to creating murals honoring Iryna Zarutska.

Andrew Tate

The controversial internet personality who also donated to the fund devoted to creating murals honoring Iryna Zarutska.

Ian Gaudreau

The artist who was painting the unfinished mural on the side of The Dark Lady bar in Providence.

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What they’re saying

“The murder of the individual depicted in this mural was a devastating tragedy, but the misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like the one across the county is I continue to encourage our community to support local artists whose work brings us closer together rather than divide us.”

— Brett Smiley, Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island

“I think everybody was pretty moved by the way that she was just so publicly murdered. 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.”

— Ian Gaudreau, Artist

“We're sorry for the chaos this has caused. 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.”

— Randy and Buck, Owners of The Dark Lady bar

What’s next

The mayor's office has indicated they will work to have the unfinished mural removed from the side of The Dark Lady bar.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions around public art and the influence of divisive figures in shaping community narratives. It raises questions about who gets to decide what art is displayed and the role of local government in regulating such decisions.