British singer Duffy makes emotional return to social media after taking hiatus following tragic incident

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault and rape which some readers may find distressing.

British singer, Duffy, has made an emotional return to social media after taking a hiatus following an absolutely tragic incident.

The 39-year-old 'Warwick Avenue' star took a step back from the spotlight after enduring a horrifying ordeal in 2020 that lasted for four weeks long.

Duffy, who was 35 at the time, was abducted as she celebrated her birthday at a restaurant, drugged and taken to a foreign country.

She previously opened up about the incident on her website, explaining: "It was my birthday, I was drugged at a restaurant, I was drugged then for four weeks and travelled to a foreign country.

"I can’t remember getting on the plane and came round in the back of a travelling vehicle. I was put into a hotel room and the perpetrator returned and raped me.

"I remember the pain and trying to stay conscious in the room after it happened. I was stuck with him for another day, he didn’t look at me, I was to walk behind him, I was somewhat conscious and withdrawn. I could have been disposed of by him."

Duffy has since made a return to social media, taking to her Instagram account yesterday (25 March) to share an animated video to both her story and main page.

In the video, the narrator spoke about the secret to happiness.

The voice said: "You’re going to realise it one day that happiness was never about your job or your degree or being in a relationship [or] following in the footsteps of all of those who came before you."

The narrator continued: "It was never about being like the others…

"Happiness was always about the discovery, the hope, the listening to your heart, and following it wherever it chose to go. [It] was always about being kinder to yourself."

Duffy captioned the short clip: "A little something to motivate the heart on a Monday.

"Hope you are all doing well. Lots of love, Duffy."

Fans have since rushed in to share their words of support for the singer with one Instagram user writing: "We miss you, Duffy. And we love you. Hope you are doing okay. Remember people love you here."

"You are so loved, Duffy," offered a second, while a third echoed: "Sending you love, joy, peace."

A final Instagram user added: "We miss you Duffy. We love you and hope and wish you are happy, fulfilled and where your heart wants you to be. Where you feel you are your most true form, whatever this may mean nowadays.

"Stay authentic and truthful to your own compass and only sail to where you are becoming the you you want to be. Sending you lots of positive energy and hugs!"

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.

Featured Image Credit: Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images

Topics: Celebrity, Mental Health, Music, Social Media, Crime

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 in English Literature. Alongside her studies, she was the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the largest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her favourite topics to write about include sex and relationships, bizarre lifestyle trends and all things travel.