Robbie Williams reveals anxiety over fan photo requests

In a recent Instagram post, Robbie Williams candidly shared his struggles with anxiety and discomfort during interactions with strangers. While the British singer was on a domestic flight in the United States, he described an incident where fans approached him three times for photos, triggering feelings of fear and panic. Williams articulated how these social interactions have impacted him personally, stating he has been frightened to engage with others and that the fear of being recognized kept him from going out in public for many years. Despite feeling gratitude for genuine fans, he raised concerns about the societal expectation that celebrities should be accessible at all times. He acknowledged that while he tries to accommodate fans if their requests bring them happiness, this does not negate the discomfort such encounters cause him. This is particularly challenging on days when he struggles with his mental health. Williams noted that he could experience as many as twenty interactions with strangers in a day, and these can sometimes be negative or overwhelming. He expressed his desire for genuine fans to connect with him, emphasizing that he wants them to feel encouraged to share their appreciation when they meet him, but he posed a provocative question about whether there should be limits on how many fans can approach celebrities in a single day. In sharing his vulnerabilities, Williams received significant support from fans and fellow celebrities who related to his experiences with mental health and the pressures of fame.