Warsaw Uprising commemoration loses Ministry patronage after influencer controversy

The Warszawa44 Association has withdrawn Monika Laskowska from its ‘Ambassadors of Remembrance’ campaign following widespread public backlash. Laskowska, an influencer known for her work on the adult platform OnlyFans and her involvement in freak-fight events, was featured in promotional materials for the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.

The controversy prompted the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to revoke its honorary patronage of the commemorations organized by the association. Minister Marta Cienkowska stated that the personal decisions regarding the selection of ambassadors “grossly violate the dignity and generally accepted standards of commemorating the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising.”

The Warszawa44 Association clarified that the decision to invite Laskowska was made independently and was not consulted with or approved by the Ministry. In response to the outcry, the association removed Laskowska’s images from its website and social media. Laskowska has expressed surprise at the situation, describing it as “absurd” and defending her professional activities.

Critics, including media personalities and historians, argued that the inclusion of an adult-content creator was inappropriate for a campaign honoring a significant historical event involving massive civilian loss of life.