Rita Ora apologises for hosting lockdown-breaking birthday party in London restaurant

"This was a serious and inexcusable error of judgement. Given the restrictions, I realise how irresponsible these actions were and I take full responsibility."

Pop star Rita Ora has apologised for throwing a party to celebrate her birthday at a restaurant during lockdown. Police said they were called to investigate a potential breach of lockdown restrictions at the Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill in West London on Saturday evening. The Sun reported that more than 30 people attended the party, with photos showing Ora and models Cara and Poppy Delevingne arriving. Rita Ora issued an apology on her Instagram Stories on Monday afternoon, saying it was the decision was made "with the misguided view that we were coming out of lockdown and this would be ok." She went on to call it a "serious and inexcusable error of judgement." "I attended a small gathering with some friends to celebrate my 30th birthday," the singer wrote. "It was a spur of them oment 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." Under current lockdown restrictions in England, people are not allowed to meet socially indoors with family or friends, unless they are part of a household or support bubble. Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, and pubs can only offer takeaway or delivery service. The lockdown is due to be lifted on Wednesday 2nd December. London will then enter Tier 2 restrictions, where the rule of six is applied outdoors, but indoors they must only mix with members of their household. Tier 2 also stipulates that alcohol can only be served with a "substantial meal."