Rita Ora apologises after breaking UK rules following trip to Egypt: 'The guilt isn't worth it'

The singer celebrated her birthday with friends just a week after arriving home, when she should have isolated for 14 days

Rita Ora has apologised after not isolating for 14 days following a trip to Egypt. Getty Images

British singer Rita Ora has apologised after breaking the UK's self-isolation rules following a trip to Egypt.

The Shine Ya Light star performed at a private function in Cairo's W hotel on November 21, travelling via a private jet.

On landing back in the UK the following day, the singer was required to isolate for 14 days as per government regulations. However, she was pictured celebrating her 30th birthday at a London restaurant on November 28.

The party itself was a breach of the UK's coronavirus restrictions, for which Ora has previously expressed regret.

The singer apologised for not self-quarantining following her overseas travel, and pledged to donate her concert fee to charity.

"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," Ora said in a statement, The Guardian reports.

“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.”

The singer added that she and her team had presented negative Covid-19 tests on arrival in Egypt, and that she had since taken another coronavirus test, which was also negative.

The singer found herself in hot water last month after hosting a birthday party at a Notting Hill venue, despite restaurants only being allowed to offer takeaway and delivery services while the UK was in lockdown.

"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," Ora wrote on Instagram at the time.

"I feel particularly embarrassed knowing first-hand how hard people have worked to combat this terrible illness. Even though this won't make it right, I want to sincerely apologise."

The singer of hits that include Let You Love Me and How to Be Lonely volunteered to pay a £10,000 ($13,352) fine, though it has not yet been confirmed if she has been required to do so by local police.