Rita Ora apologises after throwing birthday party during lockdown

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 11d

Rita Ora issues an apology after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules to throw herself a 30th birthday party attended by 30 friends.

Rita Ora has issued an apology on social media after she was caught breaking lockdown rules at the weekend.

The 'How We Do (Party)' singer is said to have thrown a party to mark her 30th birthday, inviting more than 30 friends to join her for celebrations at the Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill on Saturday night.

Police were photographed attending the venue, which appeared closed from the outside, with current rules in England prohibiting private gatherings indoors.

Ora is said to have had a follow-up visit from officers this morning and has offered to pay a £10,000 fine for breaking the rules.

Taking to Instagram afterwards, she wrote: "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."

Ora is not yet thought to have been fined, although Kensington and Chelsea Council are continuing to investigate the incident.