Rita Ora Defends Rumored Boyfriend Justin Bieber: ‘I Know How It Feels To Be Scared’

Rita Ora is defending Justin Bieber’s right to punch out a fan. In case you haven’t heard, the 22-year-old reportedly punched out an 18-year-old fan who tried to reach into the car and grab at the singer. Rita has since come to the musician’s defense and doesn’t feel that he did anything wrong.

The 25-year-old singer and actress empathized with the pop star who lashed out at fan Kevin Ramirez and left him with a bloodied lip after the fan attempted to reach through the window of Bieber’s moving vehicle to touch his face. Ora spoke to the Metro about her experience with crazed fans and admitted that there were times where she felt scared.

“I feel like anyone who had a hand in their face is going to protect themselves. There are definitely moments where they crossed the boundary of it almost becoming scary.”

The new host of VH1’s America’s Next Top Model even praised fellow pop stars Zayn Malik and Selena Gomez for speaking out about their mental health issues, according to the Daily Mail. Ora revealed that she has her own struggles with mental health, as well. Bieber has since returned to the stage last week for his tour stop in Madrid, just 24 hours after the incident.

It was originally reported that the fan was a minor, but it was discovered that he is 18 and from the city of Mataro near the Catalan capital. Ramirez said he felt “very hurt” and “disappointed” at the singer’s actions towards him. He also called Bieber’s “actions” unnecessary, stating that he wasn’t trying to hurt the musician.

“I didn’t think for one moment Justin was going to punch me. He had been in the airport the day before talking with fans and I assumed was he happy to get close to us. When I saw him I took the opportunity to put my hand through his car window and touch his shoulder and face in true ‘Affectionate fan wants to touch his idol’ style.”

The reason why Ora empathizes with Bieber so much is that they’re good friends. The two were reported to be working on a secret music collaboration and casually dating over the summer, according to the Hollywood Life. Bieber and Ora were spotted leaving a Los Angeles hotspot with both of their faces covered by their matching black hooded sweatshirts, according to the accompanying photos shared by the Daily Mail. The two then left together after partying, the report claimed.

“Justin is mixing business with pleasure hanging with Rita,” an alleged source told Hollywood Life. “They have been working on a secret collaboration for a while and sparks have been flying. Rita is open-minded and not looking for a commitment from Justin or anything like that.”

“Justin is always down for a good time with Rita too. They enjoy spending time together. Making good music is just a bonus. This is not the first time they have worked together or the first time they have spent time together outside of the studio.”

Bieber and Ora were previously linked back in 2014. The Biebs was the reason for Harris and Ora’s split that same year. The two reportedly got “touchy feely” when they were in the recording studio together, according to TMZ.

“Calvin heard they were very affectionate – she would sit on his lap, he would rub her back, etc.”

The two were also photographed in Mexico together at the time right after the split. Ora told Miquita Oliver on the 4Music show, Rock The Look with Rimmel London, that she has a crush on the bad boy singer.

“Who doesn’t?” she said when the host asked her if she likes Bieber. “I like how he’s evolved, he’s growing up, he’s doing his thing. I like his stance and how he carries himself.”

Ora has also been linked to British musician Andrew Watt and Formula One race car driver Lewis Hamilton.

[Featured Image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NBC]