Robbie Williams Responds to Nigel Martin-Smith’s Critique in Boybands Forever: A Take That Fallout

Robbie Williams has responded to former Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith after comments made in a new BBC documentary called Boybands Forever. The first two episodes aired recently.

In the documentary, Martin-Smith states that Williams used his drug use as a way to deflect blame onto the pressures of being in a boyband. Williams, who left Take That in 1995, disagreed with this claim. He shared a detailed post on Instagram, saying that his drug use was his own responsibility and not Martin-Smith’s fault. He stated, “My response to the warped world that surrounded me is solely my own.”

Williams pointed out that he joined Take That at age 16 and left at 21. He expressed hope that he would respond with more compassion if one of his children faced similar challenges.

Williams highlighted the mental health struggles that many boyband members face. He noted that most boys in boybands experience mental breakdowns at some point. He criticized Martin-Smith’s management style, suggesting that a kinder approach would have been more effective.

He mentioned the personal struggles of his bandmates, including Gary Barlow’s eating disorder and Mark Owen’s alcohol issues. While he acknowledged Martin-Smith’s talents, he urged him to take accountability for his actions. Williams concluded by urging Martin-Smith to recognize his shortcomings. The documentary focuses on the impact of fame on boyband members from the 1990s and early 2000s.