Duffy 'officially changed name' following kidnap plot that forced her to disappear from spotlight for years
Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing.
Duffy's life has been shrouded in mystery ever since she disappeared from the public eye and it now appears as if she also changed her name following her kidnapping.
The award-winning Welsh singer, who is best known for her hits 'Mercy' and 'Warwick Avenue', hasn't released any new music in over a decade, which initially left many wondering where she had gone.
She announced a two-year career break back in 2011 amid a legal battle with her former manager Angela Becker.
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Then, aside from a handful of small acting roles, Duffy disappeared from the spotlight, appearing to tease new music in 2017 and 2019, but with no new songs materialising.
Then in 2020, the 41-year-old bravely shared her story, in which she revealed that she had been kidnapped and raped in a horrific four-week ordeal in 2010.
What did Duffy reveal about her kidnapping?
In her blog post, she wrote: "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 I was stuck with him for another day, he didn’t look at me, I was to walk behind him, I was somewhat conscious and withdrawn.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. I contemplated running away to the neighbouring city or town, as he slept, but had no cash and I was afraid he would call the police on me, for running away, and maybe they would track me down as a missing person.
"I do not know how I had the strength to endure those days, I did feel the presence of something that helped me stay alive. I flew back with him, I stayed calm and as normal as someone could in a situation like that, and when I got home, I sat, dazed, like a zombie.
"I knew my life was in immediate danger, he made veiled confessions of wanting to kill me. With what little strength I had, my instinct was to then run, to run and find somewhere to live that he could not find."
What has Duffy changed her name to?
Interestingly, Duffy's old secret identity was Aimée Duffy, as she used her surname for her stage persona, but the Daily Mail have now suggested that she also changed that in the wake of the horror ordeal which changed her life.
They suggest that she is now known as Duffy Jones, which could perhaps be a nod to the rumours that legendary Welsh performer Tom Jones is her father, despite her confirming that her dad is in fact a pub landlord called John.
However, one insider suggested: "To use it after the rumours about Tom is most bizarre, they always got on so well too."
Many have theorised that the performer's upcoming Disney documentary could also open the doors to her returning to the stage for the first time in over a decade.
What has been confirmed about Duffy's documentary?
Disney+ confirmed at the end of March that it would show a Hulu original documentary about the singer's life as she shares her personal story with the world.
A release date has not yet been confirmed, but it seems as if producers have been given an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into her life.
Sean Doyle, Vice President, Unscripted, Disney+ said: “Fifteen years ago, Duffy was one of the most famous singers in the world. Her voice was distinctly recognisable and powerful. Songs 'Mercy' and 'Warwick Avenue' from her debut album led to 3 Brit Awards, a Grammy and Duffy being at the peak of her career. And then she disappeared."
Production on the documentary will start soon and will offer viewers 'unprecedented access to Duffy' following her 'unfathomable experience'.
Gill Callan, Director, adds, “Duffy’s life has been shaped by success and fame, but equally by pain, defiance, and an irrepressible sense of self. I’m drawn to the tension between vulnerability and confidence in her story and how a person can be deeply affected by their experiences, yet still find a powerful, expressive voice that is unmistakably hers.”
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.
Topics: Music, Celebrity, Mental Health
James Moorhouse