Rita Ora Reveals That She Was Sexually Abused at 14 Years Old
But she doesn't want to call herself a victim.


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.
I'm Chelsea Peng, the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. On my tombstone, I would like a GIF of me that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, I'm into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard I have to go lie down.
-
Selena Gomez’s New Hair Transformation Is So Major
The actress debuted super-long locks, freshly cut bangs, and an auburn hue.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Very Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales of 2022
Time to find a new bathing suit, bag, or wedding guest dress!
By Julia Marzovilla
-
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.
By Hayley Phelan
-
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.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
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.
By Rachel Epstein