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Roman Abramovich paid Robbie Williams to perform at a dinner for Putin's inner circle

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich paid Robbie Williams to perform at a new year Moscow dinner for Vladimir Putin's inner circle, hacked emails have revealed.

The ex-Take That star took to the stage at the 100-guest event and performed his hit Let Me Entertain You in a sequinned jacket, it has been reported.

It has sparked speculation that his top billing appearance at the dinner, in 2014, was the inspiration for his single Party Like a Russian, released earlier this year.

Robbie Williams (pictured) was paid to perform at a new year Moscow dinner for Vladimir Putin's inner circle, hacked emails have revealed
Robbie Williams (pictured) was paid to perform at a new year Moscow dinner for Vladimir Putin's inner circle, hacked emails have revealed
The emails were published by the group CyberHunta and revealed contacts between Vladimir Putin's adviser Vladislav Surkov (left with the president) and the pro-Russia rebels fighting Ukrainian forces
The emails were published by the group CyberHunta and revealed contacts between Vladimir Putin's adviser Vladislav Surkov (left with the president) and the pro-Russia rebels fighting Ukrainian forces

The accompanying video sparked outrage in Russia after Williams appeared to mock the country's elite.