A Rhode Island mayor has called for a mural depicting Iryna Zarutska to be removed (WJAR) Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has condemned a mural depicting slain Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska as "divisive" and requested its removal from The Dark Lady, an LGBTQ+ bar, stating the intent behind such artworks is "misguided" and "isolating." Iryna Zarutska, who fled the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, was tragically stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina last August, with Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr. subsequently charged with her first-degree murder. The mural's creation was reportedly supported by funding from figures like Elon Musk and Andrew Tate, with the artist, Ian Gaudreau, confirming Musk's contribution via a non-profit organisation. While Mayor Smiley criticised the mural for fostering division, Gaudreau defended his work, asserting its purpose was to humanise Zarutska and avoid political agendas, despite the controversy surrounding its funding. In response to community feedback and the mayor's comments, The Dark Lady announced its decision to remove the mural, apologising for the situation and reiterating its commitment to promoting unity and inclusivity within the Providence community. Zarutska's death also prompted "Iryna's Law" in North Carolina, and her mother was invited to a State of the Union address where the commander-in-chief recounted her final moments. In full Mayor calls for removal of ‘divisive’ mural of slain Ukraine refugee backed by Musk and Tate