In April 2025, British singer Robbie Williams shared an honest message on social media about something many people don’t usually see — the emotional toll that fame can take. Williams who has spent decades in the spotlight revealed how anxious he feels when strangers approach him in public, especially to ask for photos. His words offered a rare look into the mental strain that can come with being a celebrity.
A Flight Becomes Too Much
It started with a flight. Williams was traveling with his wife and their four children on a domestic flight in the U.S. He was exhausted, having gone through airport security and managing the kids, when a passenger gave him a kind note saying they enjoyed his Netflix documentary.
But then came the photo requests.
Williams wrote back to the fan explaining that he was too tired and that stopping for a photo might cause a scene, drawing more attention. According to ITV, a flight attendant later passed along another request from someone else. And then a third person came up directly, and Williams felt he had no choice but to say yes.
He explained how difficult those moments are. “Every interaction – with strangers or even people I know well – fills me with discomfort” he wrote. “I mask it well. But social interaction still frightens me.”
The Pressure to Always Smile
In his post, Williams described what he sees as an unspoken rule in the world of fame. Celebrities, he said, are expected to be constantly available and friendly. “There’s a kind of unspoken law: as a celebrity, you should be accessible 24/7. Greet all strangers like you’re the mayor of the best town anyone’s ever visited,” he wrote “Otherwise you’re a ****. There’s no in-between.”
This kind of pressure, he said, can be overwhelming — especially when celebrities are dealing with their own problems. And the expectations often don’t leave room for someone to simply be human – tired, sad, or stressed.
Are They Fans of Fame?
One of the more eye-opening parts of Williams’ post was his belief that many people who stop him aren’t actually his fans. Instead, he thinks they’re just excited about being near someone famous.
“Over 50 per cent – probably much more – couldn’t name one of my albums, let alone say they’ve bought a ticket to a show,” he said. “They’re no more fans of me than they are of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Big Ben… They’re fans of fame.”
His words point to how celebrity culture can sometimes become less about the work, and more about the idea of being famous. That shift can make it harder for artists to feel a real connection with those who approach them.
A Long Battle With Mental Health
This isn’t the first time Williams has spoken about his struggles. Over the years, he’s been open about dealing with depression, drug and alcohol abuse and agoraphobia — a condition that caused him to avoid public places.
At one point, his agoraphobia was so bad that he couldn’t leave his house. In an interview reported by Men’s Health, he said that even now, every public interaction can feel overwhelming. “So much so I didn’t go out for years. And I had to do it without drugs or drink. I used to find it impossible. Now I’m… OK-ish. But still crawling inside.”
His story shows how fame — while glamorous on the outside — can sometimes add more stress to an already heavy mental load.
Asking for Understanding
Though Williams made it clear he appreciates people who enjoy his music, he also asked for more understanding. Sometimes, he said, it’s not the right moment to be approached
“Allow people the dignity of their privacy, their wants, their needs,” he wrote. “Because most of us are just trying to protect ourselves – mentally, physically, or both. Just like you.”
He explained how being asked for a photo while he was, for example, “on the phone with my mum, talking (about) her dementia,” or “thinking about my dad’s Parkinson’s,” could feel deeply intrusive.
His message wasn’t meant to push fans away but to help them understand the other side of the story — the part where even the most famous people are still just people.
Support From Others in the Spotlight
Williams’ post struck a chord with many, including other celebrities who know what it’s like to live under constant attention. Reality TV star Kris Jenner responded, writing, “Wow so beautifully said and I really understand this thanks for being so brave and vulnerable and for explaining this so thoughtfully and so well sending love. God Bless,” as quoted by Mirror.
Singer Adam Lambert also shared his support, saying, “this resonates. I think it’s helpful to explain it because it’s hard for the public to understand what it’s like from the opposite perspective. Thank u for this!”
The Message Behind the Fame
Williams’ story reminds us that behind the stage lights and cameras are real people — people who feel fear, exhaustion and stress like everyone else. His words gave fans and public a chance to think about how they interact with celebrities and what kindness and respect really mean.
And maybe, for those who follow his music or admire his work, it’s a chance to offer the same thing he asked for — a little empathy.
