Rita Ora launches ‘Wagatha Christie’-style probe into which friend leaked news of her lockdown-breaching 30th birthday bash to the press – as police seize CCTV for their own investigation
- The singer is said to be suspicious that one of her friends tipped off the press
- She has set about trying to smoke out the culprit, which involves laying traps
- Scotland Yard officers yesterday seized CCTV from the West London restaurant
Rita Ora has launched a probe to smoke out whoever exposed her lockdown-busting 30th birthday party, it was claimed last night.
The singer is said to be suspicious that one of her friends tipped off the press and police to her illegal gathering at the Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill, West London, on Saturday.
She has set about trying to identify the culprit, which sources say involves laying traps like Coleen Rooney’s Wagatha Christie investigation.
Ora’s birthday party is the subject of a probe itself, and Scotland Yard officers yesterday seized CCTV from the exclusive restaurant, according to the Sun.
Rita Ora has launched a probe to smoke out whoever exposed her lockdown-busting 30th birthday party, it was claimed last night
The singer is said to be suspicious that one of her friends tipped off the press and police to her illegal gathering at the Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill, West London, on Saturday night (pictured left on the night)
The pop star has already agreed to pay a £10,000 fine and profusely apologised for breaking coronavirus rules on large gatherings and household mixing.
The hefty sum is the maximum penalty that can be handed down to organisers of gatherings of more than 30 people.
Kensington and Chelsea Council has also confirmed it is investigating the alleged breach.
But Ora’s attention has now reportedly turned to rooting out which one of her confidantes alerted officers to the party.
An insider told the newspaper: ‘It was meant to be secret, but the fact police and photographers knew it was happening has really made Rita paranoid.
‘She’s now devising a game plan and setting traps in a bid to expose the whistleblower, like Coleen did in the Wagatha Christie drama.’
During the night, police officers were pictured outside at the eatery as they peered into windows and tried to open one metal door
Police knocked at the door the following day but were not let in by staff who were inside the restaurant
A police woman investigates near Rita Ora’s house in West London yesterday
Rooney accused Rebekah Vardy of briefing stories about her to the newspapers in a Poirot-style reveal on Instagram last year. Vardy denied the claims and the pair are now arguing the case in the High Court.
Ora’s party was initially reported involve 30 friends, but sources later stressed it as only about seven.
Cara and Poppy Delevingne as well as TOWIE star Vas Morgan, 31, and Ora’s sister Elena, 32, were all pictured at the venue.
During the night, police officers were pictured outside at the eatery as they peered into windows and tried to open one metal door.
Officers were also seen outside Ora’s London home and Casa Cruz the following day.
Ora was spotted leaving the building while wearing a slinky wrap skirt and black face mask.
The celebrity took to Instagram to apologise after being caught out
The celebrity took to Instagram to apologise after being caught out: ‘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.’
The breach was a far cry from her actions earlier this year, when she launched coronavirus safety merchandise, emblazoned with the logo ‘Stop the spread’.