Robbie Williams has recently shared his struggles with anxiety, especially when approached by fans for photos in public. The British singer, known for his time with “Take That” and his solo career, explained how such interactions often leave him feeling uncomfortable and anxious.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Williams spoke openly about how every interaction with strangers, even people he knows well, can trigger discomfort. He admitted, “I mask it well, but social interaction still frightens me.” The singer revealed that this anxiety has sometimes kept him from going out in public for years.
Uncomfortable Encounters on a Flight
While traveling domestically in the U.S., Williams faced multiple requests for photos during his flight. He described the experience in a series of Instagram screenshots. After being approached by a fan who handed him a note and asked for a photo, Williams explained in a response that he had only had a couple of hours of sleep, had been up since 4:30 a.m., and was managing his four children at the airport.
He continued, explaining that his anxiety would spike if he took a photo with the fan, as it would draw attention from the rest of the passengers. He then asked for understanding, stating, “If you come and take a photo with me, the whole cabin will start wondering who I am.”
Balancing Fame with Personal Space
Williams expressed his frustration with the pressure celebrities face to be “accessible 24/7.” He noted that many of the people who ask for photos may not be true fans of his work, pointing out, “I reckon over 50% of people – probably much more – couldn’t name one of my albums, let alone say they’ve bought a ticket to a show.”
He explained that some fans seem to be more interested in the idea of fame itself than in his music. “They’re no more fans of me than they are of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Big Ben,” he added. Despite this, Williams made it clear that he doesn’t want to deter genuine fans who simply want to express their admiration when they see him in public.
“If we cross paths in the wild and you are a fan of me, I want you to tell me. That means a lot,” Williams wrote, acknowledging the kindness of true fans. He also posed an open question to his followers, asking, “Do you think there should be a limit to how many people can access you in a day?”
Mental Health and Public Scrutiny
Williams revealed that he often experiences anxiety with every encounter, with some days seeing up to 20 interactions with strangers. He noted that these encounters are not always positive, especially if he’s having a challenging mental health day. “What if I’m having a tough mental health day? Is it okay if I don’t want that captured by a stranger?” he asked.
He also shared that there are times when personal struggles may leave him feeling sad and unwilling to “perform” for others. The post received a wave of support from fans and celebrities alike. Paris Hilton commented, “This made me cry… thank you for being vulnerable and saying how you feel,” while singer Paloma Faith added, “Impeccably articulate on this. I’ve struggled terribly my whole career with the same.”
Health Struggles and Upcoming Tour
Earlier this month, Williams disclosed that he had been diagnosed with scurvy, a vitamin deficiency, alongside his ongoing battles with anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, Williams is preparing for a new tour that will take him across the UK, Ireland, and Europe this summer.
The singer’s candid post has sparked important conversations about mental health, the pressures of fame, and the boundaries between public life and personal space.
