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British singer Robbie Williams' concert, initially scheduled for Oct. 7 at Istanbul's Atakoy Marina, has been cancelled following social media backlash over accusations of him being "Zionist," according to Turkish media reports.
The organizing company cited public backlash and potential security risks as reasons for the cancellation.
The singer, who had a special connection to Türkiye through his Turkish-born wife Ayda Field, faced social media backlash with accusations of being "Zionist."
The criticism was reportedly particularly focused on Field's mother, Gwen Field, who is of Jewish descent, according to Turkish media reports.
Williams explained in a past concert that his wife is Jewish, so their children are raised Jewish, and he maintains some family traditions out of respect for their heritage.
"I'm raising my kids Jewish and I'm grateful for the Jewish people," Williams stated back in 2023 during his concert in Tel Aviv. He continued: "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 also has a tattoo on his wrist with the Hebrew word "simcha," meaning happiness.
Born on Feb. 13, 1974, in England, Williams grew up in a Catholic family.
Williams faced criticism in 2015 for planning a concert in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, or BDS, movement argued that performing in Israel would normalize Israeli policies toward Palestinians.
Prominent artists, including Roger Waters, publicly urged him to cancel the show.
Despite the protests and campaigns, Williams performed in 2015 in front of over 40,000 spectators.
The decision sparked controversy and highlighted tensions between artists and political activism.
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