“I was humiliated in the whole country”: Rita Dakota revealed how Konstantin Meladze mocked her in “Star Factory” 31.03.2023, 11:45

The performer of the hit “Tsunami” was a participant in the show “Star Factory-7”. In that season of the project, Konstantin Meladze was a mentor to budding artists. Rita said that the producer was very strict with her – he scolded her in front of everyone and made it clear that she was nothing by herself.

At that time, the singer was only 17 years old. She felt angry that the project was constantly devaluing and questioning everything associated with her. “My opinion, my appearance, my clothes, my image and even my stage name, which was taken long before ‘The Factories’, was important to me,” Dakota said.

When the schoolgirl attended the performance, her grandfather, who replaced her father, died of cancer. It was a big blow for the project participant. She went to cry in the solarium – the only place where there were no cameras. Rita wrote a song about a personal tragedy and performed it at a reportage concert. After the vote, Rita had to go home. She was happy because she wanted to be close to her loved ones during this difficult time.

Dakota gave her farewell speech and turned to her mother who was present in the hall. It was her birthday that day. “I saw her for the first time since her father died. He has no face. Maybe it’s on my face too. I’m tired of being bullied and bullied. I’m tired of living in a closed space with people from whom no one came and said human condolences, Vlad Sokolovsky’s ex-wife recalled.

The production team left the project participant, but at the same time she was warned about her “shortcomings”. After the concert, Rita had an unpleasant conversation with Meladze. He scolded her harshly in front of the other participants.

“The most important thing for creative people is the soul. I can’t stand empty people who put a lot more attention and energy into formations, instruments and all kinds of crap, people who don’t love the music itself, but themselves in the music. You have to be simpler, you have to love yourself less. Nothing will come of you, you will cause rejection in people, “said Konstantin.

The producer also stated that her pseudonym “Dakota” did not suit Rita. The singer posted a video of the moment and talked about her feelings.

“I was humiliated in the presence of other producers. Live all over the country. On my mother’s birthday, at a time of loss. I am 17. I am a simple tenth grader from a poor family who by some miracle got into the project. I show my work, sing about what hurts, and hear from grown-up producers: “You are soulless”, “You are empty”, “I hate such people,” the singer wrote bitterly. She burst into tears remembering these moments.

Dakota’s fans came to her defense, but she insisted that she not insult Meladze. “Please, no hate for Constantine. The contribution of this good man to my life is undeniable and the lesson has long since passed,” said the former factory owner.