Post by : Rameen Ariff

Istanbul: British singer Robbie Williams has announced the cancellation of his upcoming Istanbul concert, which was scheduled for October 7. City authorities reportedly called off the event “in the interests of public safety” following campaigns and protests from Turkish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social media users.

The concert’s date coincides with the anniversary of the Hamas attack on southern Israeli communities, which later led to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. For several days, Turkish social media accounts and pro-Gaza organizations had urged that the concert be cancelled, citing political sensitivities and public concerns.

Robbie Williams, 51, has faced renewed scrutiny in Turkey due to his family’s Jewish heritage and his 2015 performance in Israel, which attracted criticism from pro-Palestinian groups. The controversy surrounding his appearance in Istanbul intensified after these online campaigns and public protests.

Bubilet, the ticketing company responsible for the event, confirmed that the concert was cancelled at the request of the Istanbul Governor’s Office. The governor’s office was not immediately available for comment.

In a statement posted on Instagram late Saturday, Williams emphasised that the safety of his fans “comes first.” He expressed his deep regret over the cancellation, explaining that the decision was “beyond our control.”

The cancellation highlights ongoing tensions and the influence of public sentiment and political sensitivities on international entertainment events.

#Entertainment News