There are rumors that Robbie Williams may soon produce and sell bikinis. Is this a logical extension of his brand following the phenomenal success of his latest album, "XXV"?
The Daily Mail UK reports that the 48-year-old musician has requested to register his initials R.W. as a trademark for not only bags and bath toys, but also bikinis and swimming costumes.
Currently, he is in a hot seat. Plans to perform during the World Cup in anti-gay Qatar have infuriated many. One disgruntled admirer described the singer's performance in the restrictive host country as a "big own goal."
Another said it would be "incomprehensible" for the performer, who has long been viewed as a supporter of the LGBTQ community, to perform there, as reported by the Mirror.
It follows the announcement that Williams would be among the major acts performing at the December Qatar Live concerts. In Qatar, homosexuality is a crime punishable by penalties or up to seven years in prison.
The leaders of the World Cup had to provide assurances that LGBTQ fans will not be mistreated when they arrive in one month. The nation has also been criticized for how it treats women and migrant laborers.
TV's Paul O'Grady, 67, said he's very surprised at Robbie. If he performs, the LGBTQ community will react negatively. There is no amount of money that could get me there. Williams, who is now on his XXV tour, also performed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
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On December 8, he is scheduled to play at the Doha Gold Club. According to Nic Schwarten, Williams' presence indicates that his viewpoint is unambiguous; otherwise, he would not be present. It is truly inexplicable that he goes there.
Representatives of Robbie Williams have been contacted for comment.
Despite his controversies, though, his latest album "XXV' has achieved quite a mean feat.
The pop icon released 'XXV,' which features re-recorded and orchestrated versions of songs from throughout his career, on September 9; it is now his fourteenth solo album to debut at number one.
The Official Charts Company has verified that Williams has surpassed Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most UK number one albums (Presley held the record with 13). The Beatles is currently the only group to have achieved more UK number one albums than Williams, with 16.
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