In excerpts from a new biography, Rita Ora tells the painful story of how she, as a teenager attending theater school, was sexually abused by a 26-year-old man.
"I don't want to say that I suffered it, because I wanted it," she said in a 2013 interview with Amanda de Cadenet that was published in the Sun on Sunday (opens in new tab). "I don't want to say that I was forced to do it."
Audibly choking up, the X Factor judge recalled how being with the unnamed man made her feel like "[she] could take over the world."
"I felt like I was sexy, I felt like I had a form of respect, I felt like he listened to me," she said after agreeing with de Cadenet that the relationship did qualify as child abuse. "Now I know he listened to me because he obviously wanted to have sex with me. I felt good that men fancied me."
Heartbreaking, but so important that women everywhere, including celebrities like Ora, are speaking out. Like Lady Gaga said about her video on campus sexual assault (opens in new tab), "Perhaps you will find some peace in knowing you are not alone."
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Selena Gomez’s New Hair Transformation Is So MajorThe actress debuted super-long locks, freshly cut bangs, and an auburn hue.
-
The Very Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales of 2022
Time to find a new bathing suit, bag, or wedding guest dress!
-
The Wrong Formula
In the face of a baby food shortage, desperate moms are turning to strangers on Facebook to help—but social media shouldn't be the answer.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
