Rita Ora branded ‘selfish’ by fans after apologising for breaking lockdown twice with trip to Egypt

Rita Ora has issued another apology after it emerged that she had broken England’s lockdown restrictions not once, but twice in November.

The London-based singer apologised to fans last week after it emerged she had hosted an event with 30 friends to mark her 30th birthday while England was in a national lockdown.

But it’s now emerged that, before the birthday party, Ora travelled to Egypt for a private performance.

The Mail on Sunday reports that Ora flew to Egypt in a private jet on 21 November to perform at the five-star W Hotel in Cairo.

The paper reports that Ora then returned to England the next day and, as per government quarantine rules, was required to self-isolate for 14 days. But instead she threw her now-infamous birthday event in Notting Hill just 6 days later, when all indoor gatherings were banned.

The Mail on Sunday also reports that Egyptian president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, was among those watching Ora perform at the Cairo event. He has an extremely troubling human rights record and has been accused of mounting a “crackdown” on LGBTQ+ people in Egypt.

Apologising once again, Ora said in a statement:

“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.”

In response, Ora has offered to donate her fee from the gig to charity and pay a £10,000 fine for her birthday party.

But fans are disappointed it’s come to this. Many have described Ora as “selfish”, “out of touch”, “self-centred” and “disrespectful” after the news of her trip to Egypt emerged.