Robbie Williams facing huge backlash for this comment on The X Factor last night

The new judge is facing audience backlash today.

Weekend one of a revamped X Factor seemed to go down well. Some great auditions, some emotional stories that had everyone in tears, and the new judging panel was a success. Yes, Louis Tomlinson, Ayda Field and Robbie Williams have taken up residence in the three judging chairs next to Simon Cowell on the new season of the show and all seemed to be going well. However, during his second weekend on the show, Robbie Williams has upset viewers with a question he asked one of the hopeful contestants. Felix Shephard took to the stage during last night’s show to sing a rendition of Kodaline’s All I Want and said he was there to “prove to people that I’m more than just a transgender guy.” Looking surprised by Felix’s story, Robbie asked, “So, when you were born, what was your name?” Robbie’s question led to a wave of negative feedback from viewers who were angry that he asked Felix about his deadname.

“I must say I felt it was offensive Robbie asking Felix his deadname,” wrote one viewer on Twitter.

Yes, Twitter was alight with criticism of the former Take That frontman, with many telling the singer he should apologise.

#XFactor felixs deadname did not even NEED to be mentioned. Robbie should NOT have asked that. I never watch x factor and i ofc coincidentally tune in when robbie williams asks a trans persons deadname.... Well felix was amazing tho!!!

— ︽✵︽ Billie ︽✵︽ (@Coal_hill_quill) September 8, 2018

robbie williams just asked a trans guy’s birthname in front of a live audience on the x factor, i’m fuming

— iz (@spacetimegay) September 8, 2018

@TheXFactor Why did Robbie Williams ask for Felix's birth name. How is that relevant to how well he sings? Isn't that just a bit rude.

— Kathryn (@PeachehKate) September 8, 2018

Robbie Williams forcing a trans man to dead name himself on X Factor is it. ugh. I hope they're more sensitive to Felix going forward and that Robbie apologises to him.

— Holly (@holski_beat) September 8, 2018