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Robbie Williams' birthday drug
rehab
13 Feb 2007- The singer Robbie
Williams has checked into rehab on his 33rd birthday. The former Take That
star's spokeswoman, Bryony Watts, confirmed that he has been admitted to a
clinic to deal with an addiction to prescription medications.
In December 2005 Williams successfully sued the People and the Daily Star
and over allegations he was secretly gay. He won an apology and undisclosed
damages from MGN Ltd and Northern & Shell plc. William’s barrister, Tom Shields
QC, told the court that the singer "is not, and has never been, homosexual."
The court heard that the People’s front page story, "Robbie’s secret gay
lover" insinuated that the star intended to mislead the public by claiming to be
straight. Following the award of damages, campaigner Peter Tatchell claimed in a
column for PinkNews.co.uk that:
"the legal action has created the impression he thinks it is shameful to be gay.
"If he sees nothing wrong with being gay, why did he sue for libel?" Ben
Summerskill, Chief Executive of the gay rights group Stonewall warned that
William's latest outburst "risks appearing hypocritical."
"I know Robbie's explanation for mounting the case was that the tabloids made
lurid suggestions suggesting that he had gay sex in public toilet. "Clearly,
when he launched his case, he wasn't very mindful of the damage that it does to
suggest that there's something wrong with being gay."
Williams is close friends with Elton John, and will reportedly be doing at "full
monty" strip for the out gay singer on his 50th birthday. John will be
celebrating the landmark birthday on 25th March with a performance for friends
and celebrities at New York's Madison Square Garden.
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