Rita Ora said she’d celebrate 30th quietly with her parents before lockdown-flouting party
Rita Ora claimed she would ‘be patient’ and delay her 30th birthday celebrations in an interview given before she broke lockdown rules to throw a party
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Rita Ora said she was planning to have a quiet 30th birthday before she was caught breaking the lockdown rules.
The singer was forced to issue a public apology and pay a £10,000 fine after inviting her showbiz pals to a birthday party in a posh London restaurant, despite the lockdown rules shutting down hospitality venues last month.
But she gave an interview to The Sunday Times Magazine just two weeks before the bash saying she wasn’t going to celebrate, and would instead spend time with her parents.
She said in the interview, which was published on Sunday, that she was “being patient” and delaying her birthday festivities.
Rita said: “It’s going to literally be just my parents and me.
“I’m actually looking forward to it. To just hanging out with my parents. Is that weird?”
She added: “My reputation’s going to go down the drain but [my parents are] my favourite people to hang out with.”
Her comments come after she was caught breaking the lockdown rules twice.
On November 21 she flew to Egypt by private jet to perform a gig at the five-star W Hotel.
She returned to the UK the next day and was supposed to self-isolate under the lockdown rules.
But instead she threw her 30th birthday party on November 28 at the exclusive Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill, West London.
Rita, whose mum Vera is an NHS doctor, apologised for her party in a statement and said she would pay the £10k fine.
She said: “Hello all, I attended a small gathering with some friends to celebrate my 30th birthday.
“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.”
Then she issued another apology for not self-isolating on her return from Egypt.
She 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 for that I apologised earlier this week. I apologise again, unreservedly.
“I would like to add that I have been tested subsequently, including today, and remain negative for Covid-19 and the same is true for all members of my immediate family who form my support bubble.
“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 that 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.
“I will take the criticisms coming my way because I deserve them. For my part, I hope to one day make it up to the public who have given me so much support over the years and, in particular, make it up to the heroes of the NHS.
“That is my promise to everyone disappointed in my behaviour.
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