Rita Dakota opened up about a painful chapter from her past on social media, recounting how she felt humiliated during the Star Factory program. She shared a clip showing moments when the show’s producer, Konstantin Meladze, urged her to be simpler and to love herself less. Dakota explained that the mistreatment came not only from a few peers on the program but from the broader public as well. She recalled being 17 at the time, with her family circumstances adding to the pressure, and she noted that it happened on her mother’s birthday.
She described herself as a simple student from a modest Minsk family who ended up on Star Factory to pursue her love of music. Dakota said she performed songs that reflected her inner struggles and vulnerabilities, yet she faced harsh judgments from some adult TV music producers who told her she was soulless, would not succeed, and that she was essentially unwanted. The singer recalled being labeled as someone who would fail and be rejected by the industry, which left a lasting emotional impact.
During the admission of these memories, Dakota cried as she spoke about a personal loss from that period, the passing of her grandfather. She later expressed feelings of worthlessness and desolation, describing a time when she believed she was bad and would not make it. In her own words, she stopped loving herself for a while and began to doubt her talents. She admitted that she wished to ignore the naysayers and simply have someone to hug in the midst of that ache.
Dakota noted that participating in Star Factory took a heavy toll on her, even contributing to a period when she stepped away from music. The experience left an imprint that lingered well beyond the show itself, shaping how she viewed her artistry and her place in the public eye. Yet she emphasized that she does not harbor hatred toward anyone involved and has moved past the bitterness, choosing to release that difficult era and its memories over time.
Looking forward, the artist conveyed a message about forgiveness and resilience. She urged others not to hate or hold grudges, explaining that letting go of those feelings has helped her reclaim a part of her life and her voice. The story she shared serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by young performers in competitive entertainment contexts and the importance of support, empathy, and personal healing in the face of public scrutiny. The reflection underscores a broader conversation about how formative experiences shape artists and their ongoing relationship with music, audience, and self-worth. [Citation: Public statement by Rita Dakota regarding Star Factory experiences]