Mel C pulls out of New Year gig in Poland in LGBTQ+ protest - 'Does not align with my values'

Melanie C says she has cancelled a performance in Poland on New Year’s Eve after being made aware of issues which “do not align with the communities I support”.

The Spice Girl, 48, did not elaborate but was praised online by members of the LGBT community.

The singer, whose real name is Melanie Chisholm, was reportedly due to perform in the city of Zakopane.

But in a statement posted on Monday, she wrote: “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.

“I hope to be back there very soon. Hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2023. Melanie xxx.”

Replying to her statement, Twitter users described her as a “hero” and an “ally”.

The former Spice Girl will be part of a pre-recored BBC television New Year's Eve event, performing alongside singer Sam Ryder, Don’t Feel Like Crying singer-songwriter Sigrid, Lowestoft group The Darkness lead singer Hawkins and the House Gospel Choir.

In October 2022, Mel C said that then-PM Liz Truss represented girl power "in essence", but the economic situation in the UK was a "flipping disgrace."

She said: “It’s a very difficult time, as we all know, in the UK right now and I come from an area of the UK where lots of people struggle financially.

“I try not to be political but in all honesty it’s… a flipping disgrace.”