As expected, Robbie Williams has formally apologised to Take That creator Nigel Martin-Smith for lyrics in a song off his 'Rudebox' album in which the singer seemed to accuse his former manager of stealing money off the legendary boy band.
As previously reported, Martin-Smith began action against the lyrics, which appeared in the semi-autobiographical song 'The 90s', before the album had even been released, forcing the song to be rerecorded with the offending remarks edited out. However, the manager continued with his action because, he said, the lyrics had by that point been widely reported, and that without legal action some people may assume the comments were true.
Williams, who's been no friend of Martin-Smith since his acrimonious split from Take That back in 1995, nevertheless agreed to settle over 'The 90s' fallout. To that end the High Court in London was this week informed that the singer had apologised to Martin-Smith, and that he had said that any remarks about the manager in the original version of 'The 90s' were not to be taken seriously.
Confirming the settlement, Martin-Smith's lawyer David Sherborne told the court: "Robbie Williams wishes to make it clear to his fans, and the public at large, that he did not intend these lyrics to be taken at face value or as a serious statement by him of the views which he holds of Nigel Martin-Smith. Specifically, Robbie Williams did not intend to allege that Nigel Martin-Smith has ever stolen any funds from Take That or anyone".
Personally I'd have asked Williams to record a new song withdrawing the Martin-Smith claims, which is why the legal profession would be much more fun if I worked in it. But no such remedy here. The singer will, however, pay his former manager damages and pay his legal costs. The figure to be paid has not been revealed, though some reports have suggested it is in the region of half a million.