British singer Robbie Williams has dismissed claims US pop star Olivia Rodrigo copied one of his songs.
The 52-year-old has pushed back against speculation that the 23-year-old singer ripped off his 2012 hit Candy.
In a surprising reaction, Williams has come to the defence of Rodrigo, dismissing the copyright claims and saying he “couldn’t care less”.
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In a bold statement shared on Instagram, Williams said he was a big fan of the pop star and had no intention of pursuing legal action over her new holiday song Take Me Home (4 Christmas), explaining it was only natural for songs to sometimes sound similar.
“Music has been around for a long time. We’re all going to bump into each other eventually,” Williams said.
Williams, who rose to fame with British band Take That before launching a successful solo career, said it has been “bothering” him to see musicians go after each other over similar-sounding songs.
“Some of it I completely understand. Some of it is absolutely justified,” Williams said.
“Most of it, I think, is complete bullocks.
“I’ve had plenty of people come after me over the years because something I’ve released apparently sounds like something somebody else released.”
Williams was sued by US publisher Ludlow Music Inc. over the 1998 track Jesus In A Camper Van, from his album I’ve Been Expecting You.
A London High Court judge ruled in October 2000 the song copied substantial lyrics and the central idea from Woody Guthrie’s 1961 song I Am the Way (adapted by Loudon Wainwright III in 1973).
Williams delved into the debate around Rodrigo’s Christmas song sounding very similar to his tune.
“It sounds to me as though she may have accidentally stumbled across a musical echo of mine in one of her new songs,” Williams said.
“And do you know what? I couldn’t care less.
“I don’t know whether there’s technically a publishing issue, or a copyright issue, or no issue whatsoever.
“And I don’t want to know. I’m not going after her.”
Williams clarified that he was at a stage in his career where he didn’t need to take action for financial gain but when the “theft” of a song is genuine, artists deserve to protect themselves.
“But there’s a difference between protecting your work and treating every vaguely familiar sequence of notes as a winning lottery ticket,” Williams said.
“Some of this stuff has become ambulance chasing. And I think it’s disgusting.”
Williams ended the statement with a message for Rodrigo and praising her sweary stage presence.
“Olivia, if you’re reading this, I think you’re f***ing brilliant,” Williams said.
“But please stop swearing so much. It makes me feel like I have to keep up. And frankly, I’m already swearing far more than is necessary.
“Lots of love and Happy Christmas. Rob x.”
