Robbie relights ire with World Cup gig
Singer sparks human rights fury
ROBBIE Williams was last night under fire after it was announced he will perform in Qatar during the World Cup, despite the country’s poor human rights record.
Celebrities and fans of the Angels singer are furious he is still planning to be one of a number of acts at the Qatar Live concerts.
The country has been slammed for its abysmal treatment of women, the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers.
Robbie, 48, and his former Take That bandmates – who had hits with songs such as Relight My Fire – have long been considered friends of the LGBTQ+ community.
TV and radio star Paul O’Grady, 67, told the Sunday Mirror: “I’m surprised at Robbie.
“There’ll be a backlash by the LGBTQ community if he does perform as he’s always been considered an ally. No amount of money would get me over there.”
And on the Robbie Williams Fanfest page online, Phill Dann said: “How do fans make an official protest? The Qatar World Cup is wrong on many levels and I am disappointed Robbie feels it is acceptable to... support it.”
Robbie, who last month thrilled sports fans when he sang at the Toyota AFL cricket final in Australia, is due to perform at the Doha Golf Club on December 8.
Maroon 5 and Post Malone are also set to play at the venue. Amnesty International last night urged Robbie to use his Qatar gig as a force for good. Spokesman Peter Frankental said: “We’d like to see him publicly address Qatar’s poor human rights record.”
FIFA’s decision to hold the tournament in the country has always been branded controversial.
In Qatar, women are treated like second-class citizens and homosexuality is illegal. Many migrant workers are also believed to have died while building showy World Cup stadiums.
Football legend David Beckham was last week blasted for accepting a £10million deal to promote Qatar.
A spokeswoman for Robbie declined to comment.
There’ll be a backlash by the LGBTQ community who think he’s an ally PAUL O’GRADY FELLOW STAR ON SINGER’S PLAN