Has it ever occurred to you why most artists who marry don’t bother to use their spouse’s family name? Some might see it as rebranding, while others simply don’t want to because they already have a household name. Not doing so isn’t illegal, though. However, this isn’t the case for British singer-actress Rita Waititi-Ora. Is this change for rebranding, or did she do it for true love? You be the judge.
Who is Rita Waititi-Ora?
Rita Waititi-Ora, popularly known as Rita Ora, is a songwriter, singer, and actress of British descent. She rose to fame in 2012 after featuring on DJ Fresh’s Hot Right Now single. In the same year, she debuted her single Ora, which topped the charts in the United Kingdom. She had the most no. 1 singles in the UK singles chart in 2012.
Rita played the role of Mia, Christian Grey’s sister, in the film adaptation of the best-selling Fifty Shades of Grey. The singer also replaced Kylie Minogue as a coach on the fourth series of The Voice UK. And as another feather to the singer’s cap, she was named as Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo.
As for her collaborations and campaigns, she endorsed various brands such as Skullcandy in 2010, Calvin Klein’s CK One campaign in 2011, and Samsung Galaxy and Coca-Cola in 2015. Furthermore, she collaborated with Adidas for their casual sports clothing—Adidas Originals. She also designed a capsule collection with Escada in 2019, and the list goes on and on.
Who Did Rita Waititi-Ora Marry?
Rita Ora didn’t remain single for a long time. In 2021, the British singer-actress and Marvel director for Thor: Love and Thunder, Taika Waititi, sparked dating rumors. In August of the same year, they strode their first red carpet together. So, are Rita Ora and Taika Waititi a couple? Definitely! Although, the two managed to keep their relationship low-key and off the limelight.
Taika David Cohen, professionally known as Taika Waititi, is a filmmaker, actor, and comedian from New Zealand. Taika won Oscars, a Grammy, and a BAFTA Award. Plus, two nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2022, TIME magazine included him in its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. His most recent and famous directing stints include Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder.
While he and Rita are hitting the tabloids now, Rita isn’t his first love. Who was Taika Waititi married to before he started his relationship with Rita? Taika Waititi married New Zealand film producer Chelsea Winstanley in 2011, and the couple shares two beautiful daughters. But is Taika Waititi still married? To Chelsea, no. After preserving their marriage for seven years, the two parted ways in 2018.
What Is Rita Ora and Taika Waititi’s Love Story Timeline?
Although the actual story of how the couple met remains unknown, we know that they met four years ago, as revealed by the singer’s Instagram post on V-Day 2022. Rita posted a throwback photo of them with the caption, “Us. 4 years ago. To now, thanks for being cool. And entertaining me forevs..Happy Valentine’s Day bestie (heart emoji).” So, if we do the math, the couple interacted and had their first snapshot in 2018.
Then on 21 April 2021, Rita ignited their dating rumors after posting an Instagram photo of Taika hugging her, which she matched with a flirty caption. The caption goes, “Good times, memories, random things on my phone and the ones I love..(heart emoji) #midweekupdate.”
Fast forward to 2 August 2021, when Rita and Taika made their first red carpet appearance together. The pair debuted their red carpet during the Los Angeles premiere of The Suicide Squad. As seen in photos, the couple posed arm-in-arm on the red carpet. The two were also seen attending concerts and events together, such as the Met Gala, a Rolling Stones concert, and the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards. The series of attending events and shows together went on until 2022.
Is Rita Waititi-Ora and Taika Waititi Married?
Upholding the legacy of keeping their relationship private, the couple stirred another rumor—marriage! There aren’t any official wedding photos, but the rumor started when the singer posted Instagram pictures of wedding bands adorning their ring fingers.
In an exclusive report from UK’s The Sun, the couple said their I-Do’s in an intimate ceremony in London, and Rita will now go by the name Mrs. Waititi-Ora. In a picture, she can be seen flashing her sparkling ring in what seems to be a restaurant in Paris. As reported by a source, “Despite living in the spotlight, Rita is determined to keep the relationship as private as possible and didn’t want to make a big song and dance about the wedding.” The source added that there will be another celebration, but it won’t be flashy and lavish, just as how the couple wants it to be.
So, tell us your thoughts. Was the change of name due to rebranding or true love? We say it’s true love!
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