Black Eyed Peas star Will.I.Am slammed for 'checking phone' on stage

Will.i.am with apl.de.ap and Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas. Photo / Getty Images

Fans have slammed Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am for apparently checking his phone during a performance in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo appeared on stage to perform their 2003 hit, Let's Get It Started, at AFL's grand final pre-game show.

However many said it appeared Will.i.am was bored, as he was seen using his phone while on stage.

Will.I.Am using his phone during performance. Photo / Channel 7

Viewers were quick to pick up on Will.i.am's actions, with many wondering on Twitter: "Did one of The Black Eyed Peas just check his phone half way through the first song?"

However, Will.I.Am has since tweeted his side of the story, insisting he was simply trying to capture the moment.

He wrote: "Sharing on socials isn't checking phone mid song...that's me being a performer and camera man showing the world how awesome Australia is.

"I wanted the world to see Australia from my point of view...and that POV is awesome and lovely...sorry if I offended anyone by sharing my love."

Sharing on socials isn’t checking phone mid song...that’s me being a performer & camera man showing the world how Awesome Australia is...I wanted the world to see Australia from my point of view...& that POV is awesome & lovely...sorry if I offended anyone by sharing my love https://t.co/kLeUtOenmF

— will.i.am (@iamwill) September 29, 2018

But it seems that wasn't good enough for some fans - one of which replied that he should be more present next time.

They wrote: "I think you're a genius but your performance seemed lacklustre. You looked bored and then fiddling with your phone had the unknowing public thinking you couldn't care less. Be in the present next time."

Another added: "Sorry, but your responsibility as a performer is to focus on the audience directly in front of you. By all means show the world but do that AFTER the performance not midway through."