Robbie Williams‘ concert, which was to have taken place on Tuesday, October 7, in Istanbul, was cancelled after a strong reaction on social media over accusations that he is a “Zionist.”

The organizer, as reported by Turkiye Today, cited public reaction and potential security risks as reasons for the cancellation.

The singer, who had a special connection to Turkey through his wife, Aida Field, who was born in Turkey, faced a strong backlash on social media.

According to Turkish media, the criticism focused particularly on Field’s mother, Gwen Field, who is of Jewish descent.

Williams had explained in 2023 during his concert in Tel Aviv that his wife is Jewish, so their children are being raised as Jews, and that he maintains certain family traditions out of respect for their heritage. He also has a tattoo on his wrist of the Hebrew word “simcha”, meaning happiness.

Williams was also criticized in 2015 for his planned concert in Tel Aviv. Supporters of the BDS movement argued that the concert in Israel would legitimize Israeli policies against Palestinians.

Despite being urged to cancel the concert by artists such as Roger Waters, the British artist performed as scheduled in front of 40,000 people.