Mel C pulls out of Poland new year gig over ‘issues that do not align with communities I support’

Mel C has pulled out of a gig in Poland, saying she has been made aware of some issues that do not align with the communities she supports.

The singer, whose real name is Melanie Chisholm, was due to perform for the Polish state broadcaster on New Year’s Eve as a special guest.

She told fans on social media that she would no longer be performing.

“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,” she said.

“I hope to be back there very soon.”

Sky News has approached Chisholm’s representatives for comment.

Although it is not clear what the issues are, Chisholm is widely known as a big ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

At the British LGBT Awards last year, Chisholm was presented with the celebrity ally award.

Poland was recently found to have the worst protections for LGBTQ+ people in the European Union, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

Same-sex marriage is not recognised in the majority Catholic country, while some regions of Poland enacted largely symbolic, same-sex free zones, prompting ambassadors of more than 50 countries to protest the move.

Andrzej Duda, the president, has also vowed to ban LGBTQ+ teaching in schools, as well as prevent same-sex couples from adopting children.

Broadcaster TVP has not commented on Chisholm’s cancellation, but has removed the post announcing her performance from its social media accounts.