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Robbie Williams says World Cup mic object was a mint

Published 21 July 2026

British pop star Robbie Williams has dismissed widespread online speculation after a viral clip from a World Cup broadcast showed a small white object falling onto his microphone. The singer clarified the object was a mint and addressed the incident with humor on social media.

The moment occurred on July 19, shortly after Williams performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During a post-match interview on German broadcaster MagentaTV, a white object fell onto the top of his microphone. Williams quickly picked it up, but while touching his hair, he inadvertently stuck it to his forehead. The clip spread rapidly online, with some social media users suggesting the substance had fallen from his nose and was cocaine.

Williams responded directly to the rumors in a video posted to his Instagram account on July 20. Adopting a mock-serious tone while lying in bed, he said, "I would just like to apologise for the object that fell onto the microphone yesterday. It was deeply unprofessional and people worried about me." He then revealed the punchline: "But it's OK, because I had several more!" The singer stuck out his tongue to show two round...

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