Rita Ora admits she still regrets breaking lockdown rules for 30th birthday party

‘I feel embarrassed’: Rita Ora admits she still regrets breaking lockdown rules for 30th birthday party and wishes it ‘had never happened’

  • The singer, 31, hit headlines last November when she went against strict quarantine rules to hold a 30th birthday party at Notting Hill’s Casa Cruz 
  • Rita said: ‘I am incredibly embarrassed. I still feel embarrassed. And the regret… It’s really hard for me to talk about it. I just wish I had made a different choice’ 
  • The songwriter was branded ‘selfish’ and was fined £10,000 by British police for holding her bash at the west London restaurant in November 2020
  • The party came amid another rule break as she had previously flown by private jet to Cairo on November 21 to perform at the five-star W Hotel
  • Rita returned the next day and under Government quarantine rules should have self-isolated for 14 days
  • The star apologised at the time, saying: ‘This was a serious and inexcusable error of judgement’ 

Rita Ora has revealed she still feels ‘incredible embarrassed’ about breaking lockdown rules for her birthday last year.

The singer, 31, hit headlines last November when she went against strict quarantine rules to hold a 30th birthday party at Notting Hill’s Casa Cruz following a trip to North Africa, despite the UK’s coronavirus restrictions.

Speaking to The Independent, Rita tearfully expressed her regret for the party and wishes it had never happened.

Honest: Rita Ora has revealed she still feels ‘incredible embarrassed’ about breaking lockdown rules for her birthday last year

She said: ‘I am incredibly embarrassed. I still feel embarrassed. And the regret… It’s really hard for me to talk about it. 

‘I just wish I had made a different choice. It makes me sad because it’s something I wish had never happened. 

‘People were making huge sacrifices at the time, and I let them down. And that hurts. It really hurts.’

The songwriter was branded ‘selfish’ and was fined £10,000 by British police for holding her bash at the west London restaurant in November 2020. 

Rules: The singer, 31, hit headlines last November when she went against strict quarantine rules to hold a 30th birthday party at Notting Hill's Casa Cruz following a trip to North Africa, despite the UK's coronavirus restrictions

Rules: The singer, 31, hit headlines last November when she went against strict quarantine rules to hold a 30th birthday party at Notting Hill’s Casa Cruz following a trip to North Africa, despite the UK’s coronavirus restrictions

The party came amid another rule break as she had previously flown by private jet to Cairo on November 21 to perform at the five-star W Hotel.

Rita returned the next day and under Government quarantine rules should have self-isolated for 14 days.

Instead, the former America’s Next Top Model presenter threw a soiree on November 28 at the exclusive eatery in the English capital.

Rita apologised at the time, stating: ‘Hello all, I attended a small gathering with some friends to celebrate my 30th birthday.

Rita said: said: 'I am incredibly embarrassed. I still feel embarrassed. And the regret… It's really hard for me to talk about it. I just wish I had made a different choice'

Rita said: said: ‘I am incredibly embarrassed. I still feel embarrassed. And the regret… It’s really hard for me to talk about it. I just wish I had made a different choice’

‘It was a spur of the moment decision made with the misguided view that we were coming out of lockdown and this would be OK… I’m deeply sorry for breaking the rules and in turn understand that this puts people at risk.

‘This was a serious and inexcusable error of judgement. Given the restrictions, I realise how irresponsible these actions were and I take full responsibility.

‘I feel particularly embarrassed knowing first-hand how hard people have worked to combat this terrible illness and being fully aware of the sacrifices that people and businesses have made to help keep us all safe. Even though this won’t make it right, I want to sincerely apologise.’

The manager of the restaurant was sacked and the venue faced losing its licence for six weeks.

She added: 'People were making huge sacrifices at the time, and I let them down. And that hurts. It really hurts' (pictured in September 2021)

She added: ‘People were making huge sacrifices at the time, and I let them down. And that hurts. It really hurts’ (pictured in September 2021)

In another apology about her trip to Egypt, the former X Factor star said: ‘I recently flew to Egypt to perform at a corporate event for a private company, where my travel party followed protocol and presented negative Covid tests upon entry, as required by Egyptian authorities.

‘Upon my return to Britain, I should have followed Government advice and isolated myself for the required period. As you know, I didn’t follow Government advice and… I apologise again, unreservedly.

‘While I realise the apologetic words of a pop star might not carry much weight, especially one who has broken the rules like I have, I do realise some might seek to follow my example.

‘My message to them is simple: please don’t. The guilt and shame I’ve carried this week for my mistake aren’t worth it. 

‘Instead, continue to listen to the Government advice and the voices of the heroes of the NHS and take the required precautions.’

Fine: The songwriter was branded 'selfish' and was fined £10,000 by British police for holding her bash at the west London restaurant in November 2020

Fine: The songwriter was branded ‘selfish’ and was fined £10,000 by British police for holding her bash at the west London restaurant in November 2020

Advertisement

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10301115/Rita-Ora-admits-regrets-breaking-lockdown-rules-30th-birthday-party.html

Recommended For You