Robbie Williams

The former Take That star has been open with his own struggles caused by fame, substance abuse and mental health issues and urged the world to a learn a lesson from Liam's passing.

In a post on Instagram, Robbie wrote: "How to make sense of the Liam Payne tragedy? Obviously, my first feelings towards his passing were like everyone else. Shock, sadness and confusion. And to be honest as I write these words that's where I still am. I met the boys on The X Factor and ''mentored'' them. I use the word mentored in inverted brackets cos I hardly did anything to be honest. I just hung out with them. They were all cheeky and lovely ... Our paths have crossed ever since that day and I'm fond of them all. Liam's trials and tribulations were very similar to mine, so it made sense to reach out and offer what I could. So I did. I guess in these moments it's worth repeating - WE DON'T KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN PEOPLE'S LIVES. WHAT PAIN THEY'RE GOING THROUGH AND WHAT MAKES THEM BEHAVE IN THE WAY THAT THEY BEHAVE. BEFORE WE REACH TO JUDGEMENT, A BIT OF SLACK NEEDS TO BE GIVEN. BEFORE YOU TYPE ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET, HAVE A THINK ''DO I REALLY NEED TO PUBLISH THIS?'', BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE DOING. YOU'RE PUBLISHING YOUR THOUGHTS FOR ANYBODY TO READ. EVEN IF YOU DON'T REALLY THINK THAT CELEBRITIES OR THEIR FAMILIES EXIST. THEY DO. SKIN AND BONE AND IMMENSELY SENSITIVE.

"We can be kinder. We can be more empathic. We can at least try to be more compassionate towards ourselves, our family, our friends, strangers in life and strangers on the internet. Even famous strangers need your compassion. What a Handsome Talented boy. What a tragic painful loss for his friends, family, fans and by the looks of the energy this moment has created - The World. Be Kind."