The concert of Robbie Williams, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 7, in Istanbul, has been canceled after a wave of online criticism accused the British singer of being “pro-Israel.”
According to Turkish media reports, the event’s organizers cited intense public reaction and potential security risks as the reasons for the cancellation.
Williams, who has long expressed affection for Turkey through his wife, Ayda Field, who was born there, faced an online backlash targeting not only him but also his family. Reports said much of the criticism focused on Field’s mother, Gwen Field, who is of Jewish heritage.
During a 2023 concert in Tel Aviv, Williams mentioned that his wife is Jewish and that their children are being raised in the Jewish faith, adding that his family observes certain traditions out of respect for their heritage. He also has a tattoo on his wrist featuring the Hebrew word “simcha,” meaning “happiness.”
This is not the first time Williams has faced controversy over his performances in Israel. In 2015, his planned concert in Tel Aviv drew criticism from BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) supporters, who argued that performing there would legitimize Israel’s policies toward Palestinians.
Despite calls from artists such as Roger Waters to cancel that appearance, Williams went ahead with the concert, performing before a crowd of 40,000 fans
