British singer Robbie Williams became embroiled in a viral controversy following the 2026 World Cup final, when a white substance appeared to fall from his face during a live interview. However, the 52-year-old artist addressed the rumors with a funny video on Instagram.

During the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, Williams gave a live interview when a white substance fell from her face onto the microphone. The singer picked up the object and continued with the interview as if nothing had happened.

The images soon went viral on social networks, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where numerous users speculated about the nature of the substance.

The singer's clarification

In the face of growing controversy, Robbie Williams took to Instagram on Monday to offer an explanation. In a video recorded from his bed, shirtless and with disheveled gray hair, the artist apologized ironically:

“I just wanted to apologize for the object that fell on the microphone yesterday; it was completely unprofessional,” he began.

“And people worried about me, but that's okay because I had several others,” he continued. He later added that it was a mint that fell.

The public's concern was not unfounded. The former Take That member has been openly candid about his battles with alcoholism and substance abuse throughout his career.

Williams has been to rehab on several occasions, most recently in 2007, when he received treatment for his addiction to prescription drugs.

In his memoir "Reveal" (2017), the singer reflected on the darkest moments of his life: "I reached very, very dark places. Addiction takes away your ability to feel. That's why so many people die from addiction."

The father of four also performed at the closing ceremony before the game. Williams performed the FIFA World Cup anthem, alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini.

The event was attended by numerous A-list celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, among others. On the field of play, Spain beat Argentina with a score of 1-0, winning the tournament trophy.