In Rivne, LGBTQ singer's concert cancelled due to protests
The performance by artist MÉLOVIN at the Rivne Palace of Culture did not take place due to protests against his active promotion of same-sex relationships.
On February 17, 2026, a concert by singer MÉLOVIN was canceled in Rivne, which was planned at the city's Palace of Culture. Before the start of the event, people gathered at the entrance to the building with placards "Heroes don't fight for gay marriages", speaking out against the popularization of same-sex relationships. This is reported by the website suspilne.media.
According to information from the institution's director Anatoliy Chuhuevets, the organizers decided not to hold the concert on that day. Officially, viewers were informed of the cancellation due to technical reasons. The police stated that they received a report about a conflict, however no clashes or serious violations of public order were recorded.
The artist himself, who had previously publicly declared his non-traditional orientation, commented on the situation on Telegram. He called the protesters "ignoramuses".
As a result, the concert did not take place, and the organizers promised to announce later their final decision about postponing it or complete cancellation.
As the UOJ wrote, authorities block petitions to stop LGBT propaganda on state TV.
