Turkey cancels Robbie Williams concert after pro-Israel charges
October 5, 2025 by J-Wire
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Renowned British pop singer Robbie Williams’ concert, scheduled to take place in Istanbul on Oct. 7, was cancelled following social media outrage over his support for Israel, the Türkiye Today newspaper reported on Saturday.
Robbie Williams performs live in Tel Aviv on June 1, 2023. Photo by Koko/Flash90.
The publication cited the organising company as saying that public backlash and security risks were the reasons for the cancellation.
A direct quote from the promoters was not cited, but Turkish media reported that the show was cancelled by the municipal authorities in Istanbul.
Williams’s wife, Ayda Field, is Turkish-born and Jewish.
During a performance at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv in June 2023, the singer told the audience, “My wife is Jewish, so my kids are Jewish. I like to keep some of the traditions going in the family, just out of respect for you guys and their history.”
He then revealed a tattoo on his wrist with the Hebrew word “Simcha,” meaning “joy.”
“I’m very grateful for you being there over the years …, and very grateful just for you as a people, God bless you,” he added during the show.
JNS
