Robbie Williams went on a rampage on ABC-TV and other media outlets Thursday after being criticized for “overpromoting” his new biopic Better Man.
The British pop star, 50, was speaking at the Royal Exhibition Building ahead of her free Melbourne concert at Federation Square when she criticized the network.
Telling his critics to “fuck off”, the hitmaker said he wasn’t going to come to Australia just to “sing Angels again” unless he could promote his new film.
‘Does anyone know I got in trouble for promoting my movie too much on TV? What the hell did they think I was there for? he became enraged during the speaking event.
‘Get on a plane, get off and sing Angels again? Fuck off! I’m here to sell my damn movie, idiots. If you hire Robbie Williams, you get Robbie Williams.
Robbie then backtracked when he realized the backlash was due to taxpayer funds being spent on the singer promoting his film to the masses.
Robbie Williams, 50, went on a rampage on ABC-TV and other media outlets Thursday after coming under fire for “overpromoting” his new biopic Better Man.
‘Is the ABC financed by you? Is that what it is? “Oh, so Australia,” he said.
The performance he was referring to and which received negative reactions occurred at the Opera House on New Year’s Eve around 11:45 pm, while it was playing in 2025 singing in chorus.
It divided ABC viewers Tuesday night, despite bringing the house down at the end of the network’s New Year’s broadcast.
The British pop superstar spared no opportunities to promote his new biopic, Better Man, releasing a cheeky advert mid-set.
It was before his performance in Better Man that Robbie gave a glowing review of his own film of the same name.
‘Some critics call it the movie of the century! “They’re not my words, except they are because I just made them up,” he told the crowd.
The move divided viewers, with many upset that ABC, a government-owned and taxpayer-funded television station, spent a pretty penny on Robbie’s performance.
‘Did they pay my taxes for this lazy Robbie Williams set? What the fuck. PR for a movie during a set too? wrote one person on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The British pop star was speaking at the Royal Exhibition Building ahead of her free Melbourne concert at Federation Square when she criticized the network.
The performance he was referring to and which received negative reactions occurred at the Opera House on New Year’s Eve around 11:45 pm while he was ringing in 2025 singing (pictured).
“Robbie Williams is busy posing and promoting himself, how about he sing a song?” another added along with a thumbs down emoji.
“Your tax money is hard at work with this Robbie Williams performance,” another posted.
It comes after Robbie took Melbourne by storm on Thursday afternoon when he performed a free concert in Federation Square at 5pm.
The English pop star packed the venue with fans who camped out for hours to see the singer-songwriter perform at the surprise performance.
Since standing spots went to those who were the first to arrive, heartbroken fans who missed out were forced to watch Robbie perform on screen at Birrarung Marr Park.
The iHeartLIVE concert was completely free to viewers as Robbie performed his biggest hits to promote his new biopic Better Man.
Fed Square quickly reached capacity as fans rushed to secure a spot at the concert, leaving hundreds resting on blankets on top of a hill above the river.
The award-winning hitmaker opened the show with his 1997 smash hit Let Me Entertain You while stepping out in a crisp white jacket and dazzling sunglasses.
Robbie took Melbourne by storm on Thursday afternoon when he performed a free concert at Federation Square.
The English pop star packed the venue with fans who camped out for hours to see the singer-songwriter perform at the surprise performance.
The iHeartLIVE concert was completely free to viewers as Robbie performed his biggest hits to promote his new biopic Better Man.
Fans in attendance quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their experience, with one person writing: “Just watched Robbie Williams perform live.” Impressive artist.’
‘Release Robbie William’s Fed Square concert? Yes, damn,” added another.
A third said: “God bless the crazy people who post live on social media.” “Robbie Williams is fucking brilliant.”
Other Melburnians were stunned when they stumbled upon a sudden pop concert during their day in the city.
“I was walking around my city and saw Robbie Williams performing tf,” one person said.
‘The trip home was delayed because Robbie Williams is doing a random free concert in the middle of the city. So I ended up listening to Angels live while waiting for my tram,” wrote another.
Footage and footage from the concert showed fans shouting shoulder to shoulder as they watched Robbie dominate the stage.
And the singer proved he’s as charming as they come, as he took the time to share jokes with the crowd between songs.
Fed Square quickly reached capacity as fans scrambled to secure a spot at the concert, with hundreds of people lounging on blankets on top of a hill above the river.
Fans in attendance quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their experience, with one person writing: “Just watched Robbie Williams perform live.” Impressive artist
Footage and footage from the concert showed fans shouting shoulder to shoulder as they watched Robbie dominate the stage.
The award-winning hitmaker opened the show with his 1997 smash hit Let Me Entertain You while stepping out in a crisp white jacket and dazzling sunglasses.
He later stripped down to a white T-shirt that showed off his numerous tattoos.
“What makes me laugh about all this is the police horses here because of the menopausal crowd I attract,” he joked at one point.
“They’re violent bastards.”
A front row fan named Emily burst into tears when Robbie turned to her and revealed that it was the first time she had seen him live because she had never been able to afford tickets to his previous concerts.
Moved by her tears, Robbie dedicated his song She’s The One to his fan, complementing the lyric ‘someone’ with ‘Emily’.
“This is what you call pleasing the locals,” he joked cheekily.
The all-ages concert began at 5pm on Thursday, and Robbie moved to the Astor Theater in Windsor when it ended to take part in a question and answer session before a screening of his biopic.
While in Melbourne, Robbie will also receive a key to the city from Mayor Nick Reece in recognition of the contribution his film made to the city.
The Better Man clip was filmed in Melbourne, creating 2,929 jobs and raising $142 million for Victoria.
Robbie arrived at Fed Square to a horde of screaming fans
The all-ages concert began at 5 p.m. on Thursday, and Robbie moved to the Astor Theater in Windsor when it ends to take part in a question and answer session before a screening of his biopic.
While in Melbourne, Robbie will also receive a key to the city from Mayor Nick Reece in recognition of the contribution his film made to the city.
It follows Robbie’s rise to fame in Europe and the UK, with Jonno Davies playing the hitmaker in CGI monkey form.
According to a City of Melbourne spokesperson, only 40 keys to the city have been handed out in history, and Robbie joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Dame Edna and Olivia Newton John in receiving the honour.
Mayor Nick Reece said: “There is no better man to hold the key to our city than legendary British pop singer Robbie Williams.”
“From one tragic Carlton to another, I can’t wait to share the stage with Robbie and create another iconic Melbourne moment for us all to appreciate.”