Ankara: British pop icon Robbie Williams has announced the cancellation of his highly anticipated Istanbul concert, originally scheduled for October 7, citing concerns for public safety. The decision comes after mounting pressure from Turkish NGOs and social media campaigns demanding the concert be called off, amid accusations targeting Williams over his Jewish heritage and past performances in Israel.
The planned Istanbul show coincided with the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on southern Israeli communities, which triggered Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This timing fueled criticism from pro-Palestinian groups and social media activists in Turkey, who labeled Williams as “Zionist,” amplifying calls to cancel the event.
Bubilet, the ticketing company responsible for the event, confirmed the cancellation, stating it was done at the request of the Istanbul Governor’s Office. While the governor’s office did not provide a statement, the move underscores the sensitivity surrounding cultural events that intersect with complex geopolitical issues.
Williams expressed his regret on Instagram, emphasizing that fan safety “comes first” and lamented that the cancellation was beyond his control. The singer’s decision highlights the challenges faced by international artists when performing in regions with heightened political sensitivities, illustrating how global entertainment events can quickly become entangled with local and international political disputes.
The cancellation marks a significant disruption in Williams’ international tour schedule, reflecting broader concerns about security and political backlash for performers navigating culturally and politically sensitive environments.