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Rita Ora apologises for breaking lockdown rules with 30th birthday party
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 1 December 2020
Rita Ora has apologised for holding a 30th birthday party for herself during lockdown, when that sort of thing is definitely not allowed. The singer said that it was a “serious and inexcusable error of judgment”, after police broke up the event at a restaurant in London on Saturday.
In an Instagram story post, Ora wrote: “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”.
It’s not clear how many people were in attendance at the event – reports vary from seven to “more than 30”. Still, when England comes out of its month-long lockdown tomorrow, tier two restrictions in the capital will forbid any people from different households meeting up indoors – with only six people allowed to meet outdoors. But we’re not even out of lockdown yet, so that is irrelevant, and Ora was just breaking the rules.
However, in a statement, police said that “officers attended and carried out enquiries at the scene” but “found no record of any offence being committed”.
Still, Ora went on: “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 judgment. 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”, she added. “Even though this won’t make it right, I want to sincerely apologise”.
Back in March, Ora fronted a World Health Organisation campaign to highlight the need for people to act in ways that will stop the spread of COVID-19. She said then that “we all have a part to play in helping to stop the spread”.
Exactly who agreed to host the party at Casa Cruz in Notting Hill is not clear. Its owner, Francois Perrodo, denies any knowledge, as does Director Nicholas Fallows. Kensington and Chelsea Council said it is investigating the incident, saying in a statement: “We are aware of the reports and will be investigating them with the premises”.
It has been reported that Ora has already paid a £10,000 fine to the council. Which, in terms of celebrity party budgets, might be pretty nominal, even if it was all broken up early.
