Rita Ora Opens Up About Feeling ‘Ugly’ in Her 20s Due to Body Image in Dove Campaign Chat

Rita Ora has admitted that she felt ‘ugly’ in her late twenties because she ‘wasn’t as thin as other people’.

The singer, 34, appeared on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast in partnership with Dove’s Self Esteem Project for a candid body confidence chat.

Rita opened up about how her relationship with her body has changed in recent years, as she revealed she used to feel like her body wasn’t ‘hot’.

‘I think for me the idea of looking a certain way in my late 20s, that’s when it started to hit me because my stamina was low, I wasn’t looking after my body, I was getting sick a lot and I didn’t feel like my body was hot,’ Rita said. 

‘And I didn’t accept the idea of okay well I’m not as thin as these other people – and so I’m ugly. And that’s really sad to think back on because I know I wasn’t. 

‘It’s like what you do when you’re attacking your younger self like in therapy, and it’s like that girl was still really beautiful.’

Rita Ora has admitted that she felt ‘ugly’ in her late twenties because she ‘wasn’t as thin as other people’

Rita opened up about how her relationship with her body has changed in recent years, as she revealed she used to feel like her body wasn’t ‘hot’ (Seen on Monday)

Sharing the clip on Instagram on Wednesday, Rita wrote: ‘I sat down with @Dove and @HappyPlaceOfficial to share why I believe body confidence starts with self care focusing on what your body needs – not what it looks like.

‘Proud to partner with the Dove Self Esteem Project on #Why2k – together we’re rewriting the rules and helping women build body confidence.’

It comes after Rita made the most of her work trip to NYC, showing off an incredible designer wardrobe whilst in town. 

The singer, who was in the Big Apple to headline a free concert at Brooklyn Bridge Park, has turned the city sidewalks into her catwalk for the past week.

Her outfit on Sunday night was from her current favourite designer Pucci, with Rita teaming one of the fashion house’s iconic £400 scarves with a figure hugging skirt and cowboy boots.

Earlier in the day Rita was in another pink look, teaming £750 Pucci print jeans with a draped top and statement shades and necklace.

On Monday Rita was spotted in a chic grey mini skirt and blazer for press and promo in the city.

The Clueless-style look was completed with a ‘The Rumors Are True’ print t-shirt and a pop of colour from her bright yellow socks.

The singer, 34, appeared on Fearne Cotton ‘s Happy Place podcast in partnership with Dove’s Self Esteem Project for a candid body confidence chat

‘I think for me the idea of looking a certain way in my late 20s, that’s when it started to hit me because my stamina was low, I wasn’t looking after my body, I was getting sick a lot and I didn’t feel like my body was hot,’ Rita said (Seen in 2019)

Sharing the clip on Instagram on Wednesday, Rita wrote: ‘I sat down with @Dove and @HappyPlaceOfficial to share why I believe body confidence starts with self care focusing on what your body needs – not what it looks like’

On Sunday night Rita was in a more risque look, putting on a cheeky display in tiny hotpants and a racy corset for a night out.

Rita has been having the time of her life in NYC and bought a little bit of home with her as she headed to the the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday to cheer on Chelsea football team. 

The star acted as Chelsea’s human ‘lucky charm’ as they stormed to a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 

She was described as the team’s human lucky charm by her photographer friend Rosie Matheson, who shared the star’s celebrations on Instagram. 

She has also been doing press in NYC, appearing on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show where she opened up about her friendship with the late Liam Payne.

Rita was spotted in a chic grey mini skirt and blazer for press and promo in the city on Monday

On Sunday night Rita was in a more risque look, putting on a cheeky display in tiny hotpants and a racy corset for a night out

Rita was asked if she will watch a new reality series that features the late singer.

She admitted that she does still think about him from time to time, which keeps the memory alive, after he passed away in Argentina towards the end of last year.

Host Elvis asked whether she will watch Building the Band, a new show and Liam’s final project – which wrapped filming shortly before he passed away.

The first four episodes aired on Netflix earlier this week, with three more episodes due to drop on July 16.