Rita Ora ’deeply sorry’ for ‘inexcusable’ lockdown birthday party

Rita Ora has offered to pay an $18,000 fine after throwing an “inexcusable” 30th birthday party with 30 friends amid London’s strict coronavirus lockdown.

The pop star said she is “deeply sorry for breaking the rules” as she apologised for throwing the lavish bash on Saturday night.

Sources revealed she has voluntarily offered to pay the $18,000 fine after speaking to police – who also attended her home after the party.

And in a statement shared on Instagram today, Rita 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.
 

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“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. Even though this won’t make it right, I want to sincerely apologise.”

Thirty people attended the secret bash at a restaurant in West London on Saturday.

Other Brits forced to scrap social events due to lockdown rules have blasted Rita as a selfish COVID cheat, as the British government again stressed people should not break the rules, so the country can beat the virus. The UK has so far recorded more than 1.6 million cases of coronavirus, and more than 58,000 deaths.

But more than 30 people were believed to have attended Rita’s lavish party on Saturday night.

Showbiz friends were among those gathered at posh Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill, West London.

Rita boozed with guests including models Cara and Poppy Delevingne.
 

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Her sister Elena, 32, reality star Vas Morgan, 31, and others were seen sneaking through the back exit clutching bottles of alcohol including Rita’s own-brand tequila.

At one stage, police visited the restaurant. Officers were seen peering through the windows and trying to open a heavy-duty security door.

A source said: “Rita and her sister came to the restaurant first, all dolled up and clearly looking forward to a good night.

“There were a number of guests, all dressed up very glamorously, and everyone entered the building through the back, with security watching the front to make sure no one else went in. It went on until the early hours.”

Rita was seen in high heels, a white satin dress and a coat as she was escorted by security out of the venue.

She wore a mask and clutched black shopping bags as she got into a silver Land Rover.

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Last night, Nicholas Fallows, who is listed as the sole director of Casa Cruz London Ltd, insisted it was the first he’d heard about it. He said the restaurant was “owned by shareholders”.

Meanwhile, Rita and the venue were slammed over the bash.

Roxy Kusznir, 28, had to postpone her June wedding to Ollie Dixon, 31, owing to COVID restrictions.

Hospital worker Roxy, of Leatherhead, Surrey, said: “Like many others, we sacrificed our big day to follow the rules so it’s really frustrating to hear that some haven’t.

“Perhaps they think the rules don’t apply to them because they’re rich or famous.”
 

Project manager John Matthews, of Reading, Berks, had to cancel his 40th birthday party in a pub in June.

He said: “I’m not sure why Rita Ora doesn’t have to live by the same laws that the rest of us do.”

A 38-year-old mum who lives near Rita’s birthday venue said: “I have no idea how anyone could be selfish enough to do something like this.

“It’s disgraceful having a party with so many people during a pandemic.”

The British Government imposed a national lockdown from November 5 until December 2 in a bid to prevent social gatherings and mixing of households.

Rules state people must stay at home and avoid meeting others they do not live with.

Restaurants should remain closed except for takeaway meals. Breaches can result in hefty fines.

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Last night a Government spokesperson stressed: “Everyone must continue to follow the rules, or we risk losing control of this virus again.”

The Met Police said: “Police were called at 9.10pm on Saturday to reports of a potential breach of COVID regulations in W11.”

The Sun had approached Rita for comment.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.