Rita Ora's mother orders the singer's cousin not to speak about her and tells her 'she doesn't know what she's talking about' after the relative spoke about Jay Z affair rumours

  • Vera Sahatciu Ora hit back at Rita's cousin's interview with MailOnline
  • Ora's mother told Dorotea Sahatciu, 23, she 'practically don't know Rita'
  • Rita, 25, was born in Pristina, Kosovo, where much of her family still live
  • She and her family fled to escape persecution by Serbian forces in 1991
  • Dorotea said she has not spoken to her cousin Rita in 15 years

Rita Ora's cousin has been slammed by her mother after speaking about their relationship in an interview - despite not seeing the singer for 15 years.

Dorotea Sahatciu, 23, revealed that she had to fight her way into the X Factor live show last year to watch Rita as a judge, and commented on the much publicised rumour that the singer was involved in Jay Z's alleged cheating on Beyonce.

But after the interview was published, Rita's mother Vera Sahatciu Ora posted a scathing message on social media, letting their relatives back home in Kosovo know that the family disapproved.

Life mother, like daughter: Rita's mother Vera Sahatciu Ora posted a scathing message on social media, pointing out that her daughter's cousin barely knew the singer

Life mother, like daughter: Rita's mother Vera Sahatciu Ora posted a scathing message on social media, pointing out that her daughter's cousin barely knew the singer

Rita was just one when, in 1991, her Kosovan father Besnik fled the capital Pristina to escape persecution by the Serbs for a new life in London - with his wife Vera, a doctor, and their two young daughters Elena and Rita

Big mouth: Dorotea Sahatciu, 23, gave an interview in which she commented on the much publicised rumour that Rita was involved in Jay Z's alleged cheating on Beyonce

Mrs Sahatciu Ora wrote that the cousin should have contacted them first, and added that as she hadn't seen Rita since 2001 they don't even know each other.

She wrote: 'Dorotea Sahatciu, you perhaps did not know about this but you or anyone else should not give an interviews (sic) without asking as the journalist can be very tricky also you practically don't know Rita.' 

Earlier this week, Dorotea , who lives with her family in Kosovo, spoke of how she had to fight her way into the X-Factor live show last year to see judge Rita, pleading with the security guards to let her in.

Dorotea was unable to speak to Rita, who gasped as host Olly Murs prematurely announced the elimination of her act Monica Michael, but took photos from her seat like any other fan.

And despite the distance, the 23-year-old is fiercely proud of her famous cousin - and cherishes the memories of the last time they spoke.  

Family treat: A ten-year-old Rita Ora, pictured second left, beams at the camera as she sits opposite her sister Elena on a visit to Pristina in 2001. Cousin  Dorotea is pictured far left, while Dorotea's sister Donjeta is sat opposite her

Family treat: A ten-year-old Rita Ora, pictured second left, beams at the camera as she sits opposite her sister Elena on a visit to Pristina in 2001. Cousin Dorotea is pictured far left, while Dorotea's sister Donjeta is sat opposite her

Idol: Dorotea last spoke to her cousin Rita when they met for cake and Coca-Cola in a Pristina cafe in 2001, when Rita was just ten years old and Dorotea was aged six

Idol: Dorotea last spoke to her cousin Rita when they met for cake and Coca-Cola in a Pristina cafe in 2001, when Rita was just ten years old and Dorotea was aged six

'After the war, we knew that Rita and her family were in London and when they came we were really excited to see them – even though she was not famous.

'I was very little and she wasn't even famous, but I really looked forward to seeing her – I don't know why, but I was dying to see her,' she told MailOnline.

'Even if Rita had all the problems in the world she would light up the room with her smile,' she added.

In the treasured family photo recording the meeting in 2001, Dorotea can be seen with Rita, then nearly 11 and living in London, Elena, 13, and Dorotea's sister Donjeta, 11 grinning at the camera in 2001.

Rita was just one when, in 1991, her Kosovan father Besnik fled the capital Pristina to escape persecution by the Serbs for a new life in London - with his wife Vera, a doctor, and their two young daughters Elena and Rita. 

While Rita's family found refuge in London, many of her cousins remained in Kosovo as the fighting intensified, finally leaving for Macedonia and then Albania before returning after the war that left 11,000 dead.

Despite having two degrees, Rita's then 30-year-old father Besnik joined thousands of other ethnic-Albanian Kosovans fleeing the political and economic persecution that came in the years after genocidal dictator Slobadan Milosevic came to power in Serbia.

Close: Rita has always been close to her sister Elena and the pair now run a multimillion pound business together

Close: Rita has always been close to her sister Elena and the pair now run a multimillion pound business together

Parents: A young Rita pictured with her mother Vera and father Besnik. Together they fled Kosovo to escape persecution by the Serbian government when she was just a year old

Parents: A young Rita pictured with her mother Vera and father Besnik. Together they fled Kosovo to escape persecution by the Serbian government when she was just a year old

'Rita Pita': The little girl who once sat on her grandfather's knee is at the centre of a the hip hop royalty sex scandal. Rita was forced to deny that she is the younger woman accused of trying to steal Jay-Z

'Rita Pita': The little girl who once sat on her grandfather's knee is at the centre of a the hip hop royalty sex scandal. Rita was forced to deny that she is the younger woman accused of trying to steal Jay-Z

Stunning: Rita was facing claims she was taunting Beyonce over an alleged affair with Jay-Z but used her evening at the Met Ball this week to scotch the claims once and for all 

Stunning: Rita was facing claims she was taunting Beyonce over an alleged affair with Jay-Z but used her evening at the Met Ball this week to scotch the claims once and for all 

Fly like Rita in her feathery Vera Wang gown

The Met Gala is the Superbowl of fashion, there are no missteps here. We all wait anxiously to see which designer brings which celebrity guest and Vera Wang tapped the ever so popular Rita Ora to wear this custom feathery silver gown.

Rita looked so poised and shimmered in this feathery number that had a long feather trail and featured a cut out bust and sides with sheer paneling.

Sadly for us, we can't buy this online or in stores as this is a custom dress but click the link on the right o shop Vera Wang collection.

We also have a feather filled edit bellow that will make your style soar like Rita's with picks from Terani Couture, Missguided and Ark & Co.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
Family: Rita posted a selfie of her and Beyonce to end allegations that she was involved with the star's husband Jay-Z

Family: Rita posted a selfie of her and Beyonce to end allegations that she was involved with the star's husband Jay-Z

As refugees from the Balkans, life was incredibly tough for the family – and Rita and her elder sister Elena were briefly taken into care.

Her mum Vera used her medical background to train as a psychiatrist and Besnik bought a pub in Kilburn, north London, which he still owns today, while Rita pursued a pop career.

When they got to the UK, Rita's father changed their name to 'Ora' - the Albanian word for 'time' because it was easier to pronounce, and a proud nod to his family's watchmaking business founded in 1881 in Peja, a town 80km west of the Kosovan capital.

Now the star's life is touring celebrity hangouts around the globe promoting the Ora brand with her music, television and acting career.

She runs a multimillion pound business alongside glamorous elder sister Elena, which includes her own clothing line at Adidas — which even Jay Z's wife Beyonce herself has been pictured wearing — and a beauty range for Rimmel.

She has also as fronted campaigns for top brands Calvin Klein, Superga, Cavalli and DKNY.

Family: Rita Ora, pictured with her mother Vera at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in 2013. Vera had to learn English while studying to re-qualify as a physician in the UK after her Kosovan qualifications were

Family: Rita Ora, pictured with her mother Vera at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in 2013. Vera had to learn English while studying to ensure her Kosovan medical degree was recognised in the UK

Sisters: Rita runs a multimillion pound business alongside glamorous elder sister Elena (pictured together when they were children), which includes her own clothing line at Adidas and a beauty range for Rimmel

Sisters: Rita runs a multimillion pound business alongside glamorous elder sister Elena (pictured together when they were children), which includes her own clothing line at Adidas and a beauty range for Rimmel

Glam sisters: Rita Ora pictured with her sister Elena when they were younger. As refugees in London the two children were taken into care

Glam sisters: Rita Ora pictured with her sister Elena when they were younger. As refugees in London the two children were taken into care

Young Rita: The singer was born in Pristina to Kosovar-Albanian parents in 1990 before moving to London

Young Rita: The singer was born in Pristina to Kosovar-Albanian parents in 1990 before moving to London

Before stardom: Rita's father still runs the north London pub he bought in the years after they moved to the UK, and is also where Rita kicked off her singing career
Glamorous: As one of the UK’s hottest talents, Rita Ora’s life is an array of celebrity parties, fashion shoots, TV interviews and presenting gigs. Here she is pictured at a charity gala

Before stardom: Rita's father still runs the north London pub he bought in the years after they moved to the UK, and it is also where Rita kicked off her singing career

But to Dorotea and the rest of the family, the singer's wild, jet set life of glamorous showbiz parties with celebs, film premieres, endorsements and rumoured flings with superstar rappers is a world away from the quiet streets of the capital where she was born. 

They follow her movements on Twitter and are quick to spring to her defence.

Her father's cousin Valdet, 57, who lives quietly running the family watchmakers business in the capital, said rumours of an affair with Jay-Z are just part and parcel of what her life is now. 

'She respects very much Beyonce and Jay Z – I read it on her Twitter,' he said.

'She respects them both and in showbusiness there are these rumours.'

'It's just gossip. But if you're touring then you expect it [gossip] on the road, and she asked for this career.'

Rita was pulled into the sex cheat scandal after tweeting a photo of herself wearing a bra with lemons on it.

And her younger cousin Dorotea also slams the speculation, immediately pointing to the selfie the singer posted of her with Beyonce at the Met Gala on Snapchat.

Distant: Dorotea, now 23, had to fight her way into the X-Factor final last year to see judge Rita on stage and took this image on her phone like any other fan 

Distant: Dorotea, now 23, had to fight her way into the X-Factor final last year to see judge Rita on stage and took this image on her phone like any other fan 

Memento: After fighting her way in to see her cousin Rita at the X-Factor final, Dorotea said: 'I had to sneak and take some photos of Rita, but they told us if we catch you one more time we’re going to kick you out'

Memento: After fighting her way in to see her cousin Rita at the X-Factor final, Dorotea said: 'I had to sneak and take some photos of Rita, but they told us if we catch you one more time we're going to kick you out'

'It's [the rumours] rubbish. She posted 'family', which means they're still on good relations. Beyonce is a queen. They really helped her to become who she is and were the first ones to notice her.

'Rita clearly states that they are the ones that helped her with Roc Nation so it's such a pity to doubt that relationship. It's absurd,' she said.

Devoted to her cousin, political science student Dorotea was eager to catch a glimpse of her when she visited the UK to represent Kosovo during a conference at Oxford University.

But once inside the X-Factor studio, she felt too far removed from the judges table to dare make an approach. Rita had no idea Dorotea, who is Rita's father's cousin, was in the audience.

'Maybe I could have run to the guards to talk to her but I was really afraid because they wouldn't even let us take a picture of the show.'

'I had to sneak and take some photos of Rita, but they told us if we catch you one more time we're going to kick you out,' she told MailOnline.

The next evening at the family's north London pub still managed by Rita's father, was chided for not warning the family she had tried to see the star telling her 'You should have called us!'. Dorotea last saw Elena recently in Pristina when she was there speaking at a conference.

Selfie: Rita pictured with her grandmother Besa. MailOnline understands that both of her grandmothers split their time between their own apartments in Pristina and Peja and Rita’a family home in London

Selfie: Rita pictured with her grandmother Besa. MailOnline understands that both of her grandmothers split their time between their own apartments in Pristina and Peja and Rita'a family home in London

Memories: Rita's grandmother Besa and grandfather Besim pictured with Rita (front right) and sister Elena

Memories: Rita's grandmother Besa and grandfather Besim pictured with Rita (front right) and sister Elena

Family album: Rita's grandmother Besa and grandfather Besim,  a celebrated Kosovar film director, pictured together in 1960

Family album: Rita's grandmother Besa and grandfather Besim,  a celebrated Kosovar film director, pictured together in 1960

Famous family: Rita's grandfather Besim's face is posted in pride of place on the capital’s main pedestrian street among other Kosovar artists

Famous family: Rita's grandfather Besim's face is posted in pride of place on the capital's main pedestrian street among other Kosovar artists

Relatives: (Back row, left to right) Rita's father Besnik, mother Vera, grandmother Besa, grandfather Besim. (Front row left to right) Elena and Rita

Relatives: (Back row, left to right) Rita's father Besnik, mother Vera, grandmother Besa, grandfather Besim. (Front row left to right) Elena and Rita

By all accounts the Ora family have stayed true to their roots and have kept their feet firmly on the ground - despite the celebrity whirlwind that occupies their two daughters.

Rita's uncle Bekim also lives in London, and she is surrounded by a Kosovan community of friends and family who also fled the country in the early 1990s.

She is also supported by both of her proud grandmothers who split their time between their own apartments in Pristina and Peja and Rita's family home in the UK.

The family is no stranger to jet setting however - Rita's maternal grandfather was a diplomat while her father's father was celebrated Kosovan film director Besim Sahatçiu – who named her after screen siren Rita Hayworth.

It was her much loved grandfather Besim who died in 2005 that the family say foresaw Rita's stardom.

His picture is posted on the wall opposite her cousin Valdet's watchmaking shop in Pristina alongside other famous Kosovan artists and performers. 

On returning from visiting his granddaughter in London after the release of her first film Spivs, he was eager to show off his protégé to his nephew.

'He was very proud of her and when he came back from London he was very keen to show me the VHS and he said: 'Look at her, she's become an actress!', Valdet told MailOnline. 

During the intervening years between their escape and the beginning of the war in 1999 the family were able to visit relatives in Pristina – a time watchmaker Valdet remembers fondly, especially being struck by Rita's star presence.

'She was six or seven when they came to visit and she was such a cheerful and inquisitive child – she was so curious – asking a million questions and running around the house,' he said.

Watching on: Rita's father's cousin Valdet Sahatciu in Kosovo told MailOnline: 'It’s just gossip. But if you’re touring then you expect it [gossip] on the road'

Watching on: Rita's father's cousin Valdet Sahatciu in Kosovo told MailOnline: 'It's just gossip. But if you're touring then you expect it [gossip] on the road'

Pristina: Set on the busy pedestrian boulevard, Rita father's cousin Valdet Sahatciu watch shop has stood the test of time – and the brutal war that finally won Kosovo its hard fought independence in 2008

Pristina: Set on the busy pedestrian boulevard, Rita father's cousin Valdet Sahatciu watch shop has stood the test of time – and the brutal war that finally won Kosovo its hard fought independence in 2008

Home: The modest flats in Pristina, Kosovo, where Rita's grandmother, Besa  lived previously. Some of her relatives still live in the eastern European country

Home: The modest flats in Pristina, Kosovo, where Rita's grandmother, Besa lived previously. Some of her relatives still live in the eastern European country

Birthplace: The quiet streets of Pristina where Rita was born couldn't be more different from her glamorous life in London 

Birthplace: The quiet streets of Pristina where Rita was born couldn't be more different from her glamorous life in London 

And she has certainly continued to ensure she is the centre of attention as she focuses on cracking the US music scene.

While her wild partying and flesh flashing has raised a few eyebrows back home, her worldwide success marks her as a national treasure.

Local press and fans mobbed the singer when she was back in her hometown last summer.

Pictured partying in style – dancing on tables and singing with beloved Kosavan folk singer Afrim Muqiçi – Rita let her hair down.

Valdet went on: 'I know she wants to come back to Pristina more often, but it's hard for her to find time, they like to come here – she likes the food.

'We're so proud of her not least because she has publically identified as Kosovan from an early age,' he added.

Now filming 'Fifty Shades Darker', the sequel to 'Fifty Shades of Gray', in LA, Rita is taking Hollywood – as well as the gossip columns - by storm. 

Provocative: Rita was pulled into the sex cheat scandal after tweeting a photo of herself wearing a bra with lemons on it
She also sported a necklace that appeared to be a 'J'

Provocative: Rita was pulled into the sex cheat scandal after tweeting a photo of herself wearing a bra with lemons on it

Rumours: Rita Ora has become the latest star accused of being the 'Becky with the good hair' who had  an affair with Jay Z. They are pictured here together in January 2014

Rumours: Rita Ora has become the latest star accused of being the 'Becky with the good hair' who had an affair with Jay Z. They are pictured here together in January 2014

Controversial: Rita Ora makes bold statement in the same Gucci outfit worn by Beyonce in her music video
Rita Ora in the Gucci outfit

Controversial: Rita Ora makes bold statement in the same Gucci outfit worn by Beyonce in her music video

'Becky with the Good Hair'  

Beyonce's new track 'Sorry' from her album Lemonade set tongues wagging with the lyrics: 'He only want me when I'm not there, He better call Becky with the good hair'.

Her marriage to Jay Z, Rita's former mentor, has been surrounded by cheating rumours.

Rita was pulled into the sex cheat scandal after she tweeted a photo of her wearing a bra with lemons on it.

The singer had further stoked the rumour mill by wearing the same outfit as Beyoncé did her Formation video and sporting a necklace that appeared to be a 'J'.

She soon rebuffed the rumours and tweeted: 'I never usually address tabloid gossip but let me be clear, these rumours are false.

'I have nothing but the utmost respect for Beyonce. Let's continue enjoying Lemonade.'

At Monday night's Met Gala in New York City she posted a selfie of her with Beyonce with the caption 'family'

And at the after party she wore a 'not Becky' badge. 

Wedding: Pictured partying in style – dancing on tables and singing with beloved Kosavan folk singer Afrim Muqiçi – she had no trouble letting her hair down

Wedding: Pictured partying in style – dancing on tables and singing with beloved Kosavan folk singer Afrim Muqiçi – she had no trouble letting her hair down

Partying: Rita was inundated with attention when she last came back to her hometown in autumn last year to celebrate a friend’s wedding

Partying: Rita was inundated with attention when she last came back to her hometown in autumn last year to celebrate a friend's wedding

Modelling: Rita  has recently posed in skimpy bikinis in Italian lingerie brand Tezenis' latest campaign
Rita modelling for Italian lingerie brand Tezenis

Modelling: Rita has recently posed in skimpy bikinis in Italian lingerie brand Tezenis' latest campaign

 

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