Rita Ora Confirms Her Secret Marriage to Taika Waititi, Teases Future Grand Celebration

After months of swirling speculation, international pop sensation Rita Ora, 32, has finally put the rumors to rest, confirming her marriage to acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi, 47. The exciting news was unveiled during an interview on Heart Radio Breakfast on January 27, where Ora was promoting her latest music video for the single “You Only Love Me.” The video itself subtly hinted at the nuptials, featuring the singer in a wedding dress and even incorporating a poignant voice note from Waititi. “Yes, I am married. I am officially off the market, people,” the British artist declared, a statement that quickly resonated across media outlets like Page Six. She elaborated on her decision to keep the union private, stating, “I chose to keep it more private and keep it to myself more but with my new video I am playing on what could have been.” This long-awaited confirmation has delighted fans who have followed their romance closely since it first made headlines.

The couple, who had been dating for approximately a year and a half before their quiet ceremony, exchanged vows last year, as initial reports suggested in August 2022. Rita described the highly anticipated yet deeply personal nuptials as “perfect” and “exactly what I wanted,” underscoring her desire for an intimate celebration away from the intense glare of the public eye. For a celebrity of Ora’s stature, choosing a private wedding is a significant statement, highlighting the importance of cherishing personal moments. She candidly shared, “It is nice to keep some things just to myself sometimes. It was nice and sweet. Sorry it’s not that interesting.” However, fans need not despair, as Rita excitedly teased, “One day we’ll throw a big party.” This promise of a future grand celebration hints at a larger event where they might share their joy with a wider circle of friends, family, and perhaps even their devoted fanbase.

One common question following a marriage announcement, particularly for a prominent figure like Rita Ora, is about a name change. Addressing this, the superstar revealed her ongoing contemplation regarding adopting her new husband’s surname. “I have definitely thought about taking his surname but I have worked very hard for this Ora name,” she explained, acknowledging the brand and identity she has meticulously built around her professional name. “I don’t know. I haven’t really decided yet.” This thoughtful approach reflects a modern sensibility where personal and professional identities often intersect. This marriage marks Rita Ora’s first, embarking on a new chapter in her personal life. Taika Waititi, on the other hand, was previously married to New Zealand film producer Chelsea Winstanley from 2011 to 2018. From his previous marriage, Waititi is a proud father to two daughters, Te Hinekahu, 10, and Matewa Kiritapu, 6, bringing a blended family dynamic to his new union with Rita.

The initial buzz surrounding their secret wedding first broke on August 8, 2022, when The Sun reported that Rita and Taika had indeed said “I do” in a “really intimate ceremony.” According to a source quoted by the outlet, the event was “super special for everyone there,” further emphasizing the couple’s preference for a close-knit affair. The insider also provided insight into Rita’s mindset, explaining that she “is determined to keep the relationship as private as possible and didn’t want to make a big song and dance about the wedding.” This aligns perfectly with Rita’s recent statements, confirming their commitment to prioritizing their personal connection over public spectacle. The consistent narrative of privacy surrounding their nuptials has only amplified public interest, yet the couple has remained steadfast in defining their own boundaries, ensuring their special day remained truly theirs.

Rita and Taika’s journey to matrimony began with whispers of a romance in April 2021. Their relationship quickly moved beyond mere speculation when they made their rumored romance officially public in August 2021. This momentous step occurred when they attended The Suicide Squad premiere together, marking their red carpet debut as a couple and cementing their status as Hollywood’s newest power pair. Following this, their relationship blossomed publicly, with Rita making their connection “Instagram official” during Taika’s 46th birthday party over the summer. Their public appearances became more frequent, characterized by affectionate displays and a palpable chemistry that endeared them to fans worldwide. From romantic getaways to shared professional endeavors, the couple consistently showcased a strong and supportive bond, laying the foundation for their eventual marriage.

However, their budding romance wasn’t without its early moments of intense media scrutiny. In May 2021, paparazzi photographs surfaced showing both Rita and Taika engaged in public displays of affection with Thor: Love & Thunder star Tessa Thompson in Australia. These images rapidly went viral, igniting a flurry of speculation and “throuple” rumors that dominated entertainment news for weeks. Taika Waititi eventually addressed these buzzed-about photos for the first time in July of that year, adopting a characteristically laid-back approach. “I think, in the world of the Internet, everything goes away pretty quick,” he remarked, downplaying the significance of the incident. He further questioned the media’s focus, asking, “And also, is it that big a deal? No, not really. I was doing nothing wrong. It’s fine.” His calm response sought to diffuse the sensationalism surrounding the photos, emphasizing a personal perspective on public behavior.

Rita Ora herself later weighed in on the “throuple” rumors in an interview with GQ, published on January 23, offering her perspective on the widely circulated images. Her stance mirrored Taika’s dismissiveness, emphasizing the absurdity of the narrative. “I just chose to not acknowledge that because it’s ridiculous,” she stated, making it clear that she considered the speculation unwarranted and baseless. She elaborated on her strategy for handling such outlandish claims, explaining, “I think when some things are so absurd, and it’s hard to fathom any sense of it, you just have to ignore it.” This unified front from both Rita and Taika highlighted their shared approach to navigating the often-intrusive nature of celebrity life, opting to prioritize their private reality over public conjecture. Their consistent messaging ultimately helped in moving past the initial media frenzy, allowing their relationship to continue to develop on their own terms.

The couple’s decision to keep their marriage under wraps for an extended period speaks volumes about their desire for authenticity and personal space in an industry that constantly demands public engagement. In an era where every celebrity milestone is often meticulously curated for public consumption, Rita and Taika chose a different path, valuing the sanctity of their union above all else. This private ceremony allowed them to experience one of life’s most significant moments without the pressure of external expectations or the intrusion of cameras, making it truly “perfect” for them. Their reveal through Rita’s music video, however, demonstrates a clever way to blend their personal news with their professional lives, offering fans a glimpse into their world while still controlling the narrative and presentation of their deeply personal announcement.

As Rita and Taika embark on this exciting new chapter as husband and wife, the anticipation for their promised “big party” continues to build. While the details remain under wraps, it’s clear that whenever this grand celebration takes place, it will be a joyful reflection of their unique bond and their journey together. This celebration will undoubtedly be an opportunity for the couple to share their happiness with those closest to them, marking a significant milestone in their love story. Fans and media alike will eagerly await further glimpses into their married life, whether it’s through candid social media posts, red carpet appearances, or future musical projects that continue to intertwine their personal and professional worlds.

Rita Ora and Taika Waititi have captivated audiences not only with their individual talents but also with their vibrant and unconventional romance. Their confirmed marriage marks a heartwarming conclusion to months of speculation, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s most intriguing and beloved couples. Through shared laughter, supportive gestures, and a mutual understanding of privacy, they have built a foundation that promises a future filled with continued success and personal fulfillment. Their love story, now officially sealed, serves as a testament to finding genuine connection and celebrating it on one’s own terms.