TAKE TRANSPHOBIC?
Robbie Williams becomes embroiled in transphobia row after X Factor comments
ROBBIE Williams has sparked controversy on The X Factor after demanding to know the birth name of a transgender contestant.
Viewers watching the long-running ITV talent show were mesmerised when transgender contestant Felix Shephard took to the stage to sing a rendition of the Kodaline hit All I Want.
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And while many praised the singing hopeful’s abilities, others took issue with the fact 44-year-old Take That legend Robbie confronted the 20-year-old over his past.
Giving some background about himself, Felix explained: “I’m from Birmingham. I’m currently studying a degree in songwriting and I’m loving every second of it.”
He then said: “I’m kind of here today to prove to people that I’m more than just a transgender guy. We can be, kind of, overlooked, I suppose.”
Robbie, looking a little confused, then bluntly asked: “So when you were born, what was your name?”
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Felix responded: “My name was Emily.”
“So when did you know you were Felix?” Robbie asked.
The hopeful said: “In about year nine at school, I told one of my friends that I didn’t really know what it all was.
"It was that point where I was like, for myself more than anything, I was like: ‘I’ve got to kind of be who I am’ and tell people.”
X Factor transgender contestant Felix moves the judges with emotional performance of Kodaline's All I want
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Robbie then applauded the singer’s story – but viewers watching at home took offence to his line of questioning.
“Can’t believe @robbiewilliams just asked Felix Shepard his Deadname so Ignorant,” one angered fan remarked.
“Y I K E S my mum is watching xfactor and Robbie Williams straight up asked a trans person his dead name, which is in no way okay or appropriate, hope felix is okay,” agreed another.
One blasted Robbie for bringing up the subject: “On national tv in front of thousands of people. Yeah if you're comfortable yeah all for that. Was just put on the spot and expected to answer. Once again props to Felix for replying.”
Another outraged viewer commented: “Tell me why Robbie williams asked Felix the trans guy on x factor what his name was when he was born on national tv?? Like why do people think they're entitled to know this.”
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While another took the argument to Robbie directly, tweeting: “Hey @robbiewilliams I must say I felt it was offending from you to ask Felix’s deadname... I’m sure there was no bad intentions Behind the question but Felix’s name is Felix. He changed it because the other one didn’t fit and I don’t think it was relevant to bring it up?”
But others defended Robbie – with one tweeting: “I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I got the feeling Felix was comfortable mentioning his past name which would draw the question. Might be “dead-naming” should be treated as a case by case thing rather than a blanket ban entirely?”
The Sun Online has contacted a representative for Robbie for comment.
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