Williams to pay damages over ‘theft’ claim in song

ROBBIE WILLIAMS yesterday apologised in the High Court in London and agreed to pay undisclosed damages to former Take That manager Nigel Martin Smith over song lyrics suggesting he had stolen funds from the band.

David Sherborne, counsel for Mr Martin Smith, told Mr Justice Tugendhat: “Last year, it was reported in the press that Robbie Williams had made a number of outrageous allegations about Nigel Martin Smith in the lyrics to one of his songs on his latest album, Rudebox.

“One of these suggested that Nigel Martin Smith had stolen funds whilst managing Take That.

“Robbie Williams wishes to make it clear that he did not intend these lyrics to be taken at face value.

“Specifically, [he] did not intend to allege that Nigel Martin Smith has ever stolen any funds from Take That or anyone.”

The judge was told Williams “has agreed to pay Nigel damages and to discharge the costs to which he has been forced in relation to this publication”.