Robbie Williams makes the headline at the opening of this year's World Cup after he flipped his middle finger.
The incident took place during the singer's performance at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium at the World Cup opening ceremony on Thursday, June 14, ahead of Russia's first competition against Saudi Arabia. The 44-year-old artist sang his 1998 hit song "Let Me Entertain You." He also performed "Angels" with opera singer Aida Garifullina. Williams also sang his hit song "Rock DJ."
Before wrapping up his performance, Williams turned to the camera and flipped his middle finger. His gesture surprised fans of the World Cup, and they took to social media to criticize the singer and share their thoughts.
Fans, Athletes React To Robbie Williams
Some fans wondered if they saw the gesture Williams made because they couldn't believe that the singer would flip his middle finger on live television. However, there were also a few people who praised Williams for his bold gesture. At least one Williams fan called him a legend for not caring about what other people would say.
As World Cup opening ceremonies go that was as rubbish as all the others. Bring on the football. — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 14, 2018
Former England star Gary Lineker sided with those that were unimpressed with Williams' move. He called his act and entire performance rubbish.
Bill Browder, the head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, accused Williams of selling himself to a dictator.
Fox Releases Apology
Williams has not yet issued an apology regarding what he did at the World Cup opening ceremony. However, Fox issued an apology on his behalf. A spokesperson for the network said that a third party produced the event and was only carried live on Fox.
"As it was broadcast live, we did not know that would happen during Robbie Williams's performance and we apologize," said the spokesperson.
Robbie Williams 'Party Like A Russian' Song
The singer was also under fire earlier this week after he announced his performance at the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony. Fans initially thought that he would be singing his controversial track "Party Like A Russian" at the sports event.
"Party Like A Russian" was released two years ago. The track mocked the arrogance and greed of Russia's oligarchs, so it did not sit well with the natives of the country. Some of them thought that Williams would never set foot in Russia again, but he did.
"Party Like A Russian" was featured in Williams' album The Heavy Entertainment Show.
