National

Grand Prix sued for $8.7m over Robbie show

By AAP Newswire

Apr 5, 2022

English singer Robbie Williams (file image) — The Australian Grand Prix is being sued over the cancellation of a Robbie Williams concert in 2020. -AAP Image

The cancellation of a concert by British pop star Robbie Williams in March 2020 could cost Australia's Grand Prix organisers millions.

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The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is being sued for $8.7 million over the last-minute cancellation of the concert, part of the Melbourne race's events.

The Grand Prix returns to Melbourne this week for the first time since COVID-19 up-ended the world.

Williams was paid $1.94 million to headline the first World Tour Melbourne concert event on March 14, but both his show and the race were cancelled on March 13 as racegoers lined up to enter the venue.

World Tour Melbourne - part owned by controversial Oscar winner Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith - has filed a claim for damages in Victoria's Supreme Court.

They allege the Australian Grand Prix Corporation breached legal obligations by cancelling the performance at the last minute.

They have made a $7.59 million claim for the costs involved, as well as $1.128 million in estimated lost profits.

A costs breakdown shows on top of Williams' performance fee, Australian singers The Veronicas were paid $3125 as a support act on March 13.

Production and event costs added up to more than $2 million in addition to nearly $65,000 for the venue rental.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press