December 4, 2007 10:37

Robbie Williams to publicly apologise to Take That manager

Singer forced to say sorry after song outburst

Robbie Williams is set to publicly apologise to his former manager Nigel Martin-Smith after an outburst about him featured in one of his songs.

Martin-Smith - who managed Take That - took legal action against the singer over solo song 'The 90s', in which Williams accused him of stealing money from the band.

Besides the public apology, Williams is expected to pay Martin-Smith substantial damages - thought to be up to £500,000 - and cover his legal costs.

Martin-Smith explained: "Robbie has agreed to make a public apology and will pay damages. That will be the end of the matter."

He said he would have waived damages if Williams had agreed to his request for a face-to-face meeting - but this was turned down by the pop star.

Last year Williams had to re-record the song, which appeared on 2006's ’Rudebox’ album, after Martin-Smith filed the lawsuit against the singer.