Rita Ora's biggest scandals – Kim Kardashian snub, 'toxic' break-up, and Covid party

The Masked Singer fans were delighted as the third series of the ITV guessing game show returned on New Year’s Day.

And aiming for a hat trick after winning the previous two series’, Rita Ora is set to take her place at the judging panel once again alongside talk show host Jonathan Ross, TV presenter Davina McCall and stand-up comic Mo Gilligan.

Now the star is ready to make a comeback with a whole new line up of celebrities set to take to the stage in their hilarious costumes this weekend.

But over the years, the 31-year-old has had her fair share of controversies which has seen her hit the headlines over the last year.

Just some of the controversies the singer has been slammed for include multiple parties held during lockdown, reportedly “toxic” breakups with ex-boyfriends and the release of hurtful LGBT songs.

Let’s take a look back at some of her biggest controversies in recent history.

Covid parties

The singer first hit headlines last November when she went against strict quarantine rules to host a 30th birthday party for herself at Notting Hill’s Casa Cruz following a trip to North Africa.

Rita attended the event, which included a guest list of more than 30 people, for her birthday bash during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The starlet was fined £10,000 by British police for the West London party after she apologised for her actions online.

After the news broke of her wild antics, the star apologised with a statement which read: “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.”

She went on: “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.”

Private jet trips

But this wasn’t the first time the star had broken the specific governmental rules after it was later revealed she attended the birthday bash just one week after she jetted off to Cairo to perform at the five-star W Hotel by private jet.

She returned the next day and under Government quarantine rules should have isolated for 14 days but threw her birthday party just one week after her return.

Following the leak of her high-profile trip, she released a second statement begging fans to forgive her for her errors.

She penned: “I recently flew to Egypt to perform at a corporate even 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.

“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.”

She continued: “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.”

Rita added that she hoped “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.”

‘Toxic’ breakups

Rita Ora’s fiery temper came out during the height of her fame after she ended her relationship with Calvin Harris back in 2014.

The former power couple’s break up truly turned toxic back in 2015 when the 37-year-old refused to let her use any of the material he had collaborated with her on for her new album.

But it didn’t end there as the pop DJ went on to ban her from performing their number one single titled I Will Never Let You Down.

Luckily three years after their messy split the pair managed to put aside their differences and make up, so much so that the blonde hunk even allowed the Londoner to perform their catchy chart-topper in future performances.

It didn’t take long before she released her long-awaited second album which included the banger that helped to shoot her to fame.

A source close to the former couple revealed at the time that the musical duo talked things through in 2016.

The insider confessed: “Late last year they got in touch and sorted things out. It was such a relief to both of them that they could move on and put things behind them.

“At the end of the day they had a lot of good times together and it was sad that was tainted by how bitter the split was at times.

“But Rita is now back in touch with a lot of Calvin’s industry friends and able to work on music with them and, most importantly, able to perform I Will Never Let You Down.”

LGBT songs

Back in 2018, Rita found herself in yet another sticky situation after she released her song Girls which also features Cardi B, Charli XCX and Bebe Rexha.

The song was heavily criticised for its thematic messages including problematic undertones and queer stereotypes perpetuated by the lyrics which was largely written by a team primarily made up of men.

While the blonde bombshell apologised for the offence she caused by the song, she also came out as bisexual in a note posted to her Twitter account.

She wrote: “Hello everyone reading this. Girls was written to represent my truth and is an accurate account of a very real and honest experience in my life.

“I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey.

“I am sorry how I expressed myself in my song has hurt anyone. I would never intentionally cause harm to other LGBTQ+ people or anyone.”

The singer added: “Looking forward, I hope that continuing to express myself through my art will empower my fans to feel as proud of themselves as I’m learning to feel about who I am.

“I’m ever thankful to my fans for teaching me to love myself no matter what. I have strived to be a contributor to the LGBTQ+ community throughout my entire career and always will be.”

Kim Kardashian feud rumours

Rita and the Kardashians were reportedly on very tens terms after she split from Kim’s brother Rob back in 2012.

After Rob accused her of cheating on him, Rita stayed silent but Kim was said to have taken action against the singer.

According to TMZ, Kim refused to sit next to Rita at the Music Video Awards in 2014 because she blamed her for “for screwing with [her brother] Rob’s head”.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk