British singer Rita Ora apologizes for violation of Covid-19 lockdown with birthday party

LONDON – British singer Rita Ora apologized on Monday after attending a party to celebrate her 30th birthday in violation of England’s strict Covid-19 lockdown rules.

The pop star, best known for her hits “Hot Right Now” and “Your Song,” said in an Instagram story that she went to “a little get-together with friends” to celebrate her birthday.

“It was a serious and inexcusable error in judgment,” Ora said. “Given the restrictions, I realize how irresponsible these actions were and take full responsibility for them.”

England is currently on hold to stop the spread of Covid-19, prohibiting people from different households from mixing indoors, unless they are part of the same household or the same support bubble. Pubs and restaurants have also been closed, except for take-out.

The lockdown is expected to end on December 2, but much of the country is expected to remain under severe restrictions as the UK government tries to curb the spread of the virus ahead of the winter break.

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“It was an impulsive decision as long as it was taken with the mistaken view that we were coming out of lockdown and that it would be OK,” Ora said. “I am deeply sorry that I broke the rules and I, in turn, understand that this puts people at risk.”

British media reported that the party, which included more than 30 people, took place at an upscale restaurant in upscale Notting Hill, west London. NBC News was unable to reach the restaurant for comment.

London Metropolitan Police said officers were called in to report lockdown rule violations but found no violations, Reuters reported.

“Officers continue to assess the allegations and are liaising with local authorities regarding a possible violation of regulations at the premises,” police said in a statement.

A local council where the restaurant is located told NBC News it was aware of Ora’s party reports and would investigate.

The BBC reported that Ora would pay an unconfirmed fine to police.

The UK has been hit hard by the coronavirus, with 58,448 deaths from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, the highest death toll in Europe. The virus has also wreaked havoc on the country’s economy, with UK public debt soaring to more than £ 2 trillion during the pandemic.