Duffy seen in public for first time in 15 years after kidnap plot that forced her to disappear from spotlight
Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and suicidal ideations which some readers may find distressing.
Pop singer Duffy has been spotted out in public for the first time in almost 15 years, following her disappearance from the public eye and the harrowing ordeal of being kidnapped.
The star, 41, was seen visiting a café in North Wales, more than a decade after she shunned the spotlight after the nightmare event.
Real name is Aimée Anne Duffy, she shot to fame with iconic songs including 'Mercy' and 'Warwick Avenue'.
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She hasn't released any new music in over ten years, and recently opened up about why - which was in large part down to the trauma that she went through.
Now though, she's reportedly set to make a comeback with a 'secret intimate gig' in London next month on July 5, and was seen posing for photos with staff at the Caffi Largo in Wales.
She shared the news of her forthcoming concert with an Instagram story, writing: "I would love nothing more than for some of you to attend."
"It's only small capacity so we can only select a few, but really looking forward to it," she added. "I will sing some new songs, all my love, Duffy."
It marks a brave comeback for the star, in the wake of some of the worst things that could happen to a person.
What exactly happened to Duffy?
Back in 2020, the star opened up about a horrifying incident she was the victim of in 2010, bravely writing about it on her blog.
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 I was stuck with him for another day, he didn’t look at me, I was to walk behind him, I was somewhat conscious and withdrawn.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."
She also opened up about the aftermath, saying often she would 'not see someone, a physical soul, for sometimes weeks and weeks and weeks at a time, remaining alone'.
"Rape stripped me of my human rights, to experience a life with autonomy from fear. It has already stolen one third of my life," she said.
"But I can tell you in the last decade, the thousands and thousands of days I committed to wanting to feel the sunshine in my heart again, the sun does now shine."
Duffy's documentary plans
As well as her comeback gig and new songs, a documentary is in the works about her life and the experience she went through.
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."
The creators are promising 'unprecedented access to Duffy' in the wake of her 'unfathomable experience'.
Gill Callan is set to direct, and added: “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, Entertainment, Crime, True Crime
Jen Thomas