JLS star Oritsé Williams’s £3million mansion has been gutted by fire just days after he was cleared of raping a fan in a hotel room.
Around 70 firefighters were called to tackle the huge blaze, which broke out yesterday afternoon, but they could do nothing to prevent the three-storey property’s roof being destroyed. No-one was injured in the inferno but police were called to the scene.
Fire chiefs are now investigating the cause of the fire, with arson not ruled out. Williams bought the six-bedroom home for £3million with his then-girlfriend AJ Azari in 2013, but five years later put it on the market for a £1.25million loss after he was charged with rape.
The lavish property, in Croydon, south London, was once owned by legendary late comedian Ronnie Corbett but appears to have fallen into a state of disrepair after it was sold to 32-year-old Williams. It features a hot tub in the bedroom, outdoor swimming pool and a ping pong table.
Last week, the singer was found not guilty of rape. He had been accused of launching a sex attack on a 20-year-old tattoo artist fan at a hotel room, after allegedly plying her and two friends with alcohol on December 2, 2016.
Ten fire engines were called to the blaze at the singer’s £3million mansion in Croydon at around 4.27pm on Tuesday. Fire crews from Addington, Croydon, Biggin Hill were dispatched to help control the flames
Part of the first and second floor of a detached three-storey building were badly damaged by the fire. With the London Fire Brigade reporting that the second floor was 80 per cent damaged by the inferno
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but no persons were injured in the fire. The 32-year-old singer’s home had fallen into a state of disrepair after he was charged with rape last year. A unused table tennis table is pictured in front of the burnt out shell of Mr Williams’ home
Fire crews from Addington, Croydon, Biggin Hill, Purley and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene. The roof was completely destroyed in the blaze. Four firefighters stand on after desperately trying to save the property from complete destruction
Friend and tour manager Jamien Nagadhana, 32, was also charged with sexual touching and assault by penetration of the same woman at the pair’s room in Wolverhampton’s Ramada Hotel.
A jury of eight women and four men took two hours and 17 minutes to find Williams and Nagadhana not guilty of all charges following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The fire at Williams’ home broke out at around 4.27pm yesterday. Part of the first and second floor were badly damaged, with the London Fire Brigade reporting that the second floor was 80 per cent damaged by the inferno.
Firefighters stayed until around 7pm, when they were able to bring the incident under control.
A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: ‘Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire at a derelict property in Croydon. The Brigade was called at 4.27pm and the fire was under control by 6.58pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation.’
The JLS star is not believed to have been living in his Croydon property at the time of the blaze. He had previously spoken of renovating it, but it is thought this was put on hold during his trial.
Ronnie Corbett lived in the home, which was said to be his pride and joy for 33 years. He passed away in March 2016. Mr Williams moved into the property back in 2013, with then girlfriend AJ Azari. The pair share a son.
Oritse Williams (pictured leaving Wolverhampton Crown Court last month) had let his £3million London home fall into disrepair. He was last week found not guilty of rape following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court
Video footage captured fire crews attending the scene of the fire, with smoke visible in the distance. Ten fire engines were dispatched to the blaze, according to the London Fire Brigade. And at its height, there were around 70 firefighters in action
Earlier photos from the rundown property showed a slimy green swimming pool, along with a fence in disrepair surrounding the property, and an overgrown garden with some discarded furniture.
Meanwhile, pictures taken in November at Williams’s home appear to show a smashed window, a broken fence and an overgrown garden with discarded furniture.
William put the the six-bedroom detached house on the market in January this year for £1.75 million. But it appears the property was not sold, despite it boasting several lavish details such as a bedroom hot tub, indoor balconies and marble detailing throughout.
Photos taken late last year at the rundown property showed a slimy green swimming pool, along with a fence in disrepair surrounding the property, and an overgrown garden with some discarded furniture
The property was formerly owned by the late comedian Ronnie Corbett but pictures taken late last year show how badly the property has been looked after in the years after. The swimming pool has turned a slimy green colour
JLS star Oritse Williams’ £3million South London home, previously owned by Ronnie Corbett, appears to have fallen into disrepair late last year. Weeds and bushes have overgrown, and the fencing is looking very tired
The lounge could be mistaken for a theatre with a grand ceiling and huge archways for homeowners to enjoy, while the back of the room has a wooden open balcony looking out onto the room which is supported by two pillars and a huge marble fireplace.
When he bought it, William said he was committed to renovating the property, telling Hello! Magazine: ‘There’s no point doing things half-heartedly.
‘Even though it’s a big project, we thought we’d take it on, work hard on it together and grow in it together.’
Following Williams’ acquittal last week, friends of the star came out in support saying he ‘conducted himself like a king’ during the trial. With fellow JLS star Marvin Humes among those speaking out.
He said: ‘Cleared..Not Guilty! Finally my brother @oritsemusic three years of hell is over! No-one will ever know or imagine what he’s been through..I’m just so proud of the way he conducted himself during what has been the most awful time.’
William put the the six-bedroom detached house on the market in January this year for £1.75 million (pictured). But it appears the property was not sold, despite it boasting several lavish details such as a bedroom hot tub, indoor balconies and marble detailing throughout
These pictures show the home when it was put up for sale. It boasts several lavish details such as a bedroom hot tub, indoor balconies and marble detailing throughout
At the time of purchase, Oritsé said he was committed to renovating the property. But his recent trial may have altered his decision to proceed with the project
The kitchen has a theatrical theme with an archway and Georgian-style pillars surrounding a state-of-the-art double oven, while a dark pink marble island can serve as both a preparation and seating area for cooking
The bedroom follows the luxurious style with sparkly crown tiles, a huge whirlpool bathtub, a mirrored wardrobe and a terrace balcony
While Marvin’s wife Rochelle, who posted a picture of the pair together on Instagram, said: ‘This here is our brother, one of the kindest, most gentle, thoughtful men I know. Today he was cleared NOT guilty after 3 years of absolute hell.
She added: I’m so proud of how you have conducted yourself throughout this time. Reesh we love you so much and writing this crying so many happy tears, it’s over.’
Pixie Lott was among the stars to reply, as she posted several hearts in response to Rochelle’s message.
And Alexandre Burke, who JLS came runner up to during their stint on the X-Factor said: ‘He’s so strong. Conducted himself like a king that he is. Onwards and upwards now for you @oritsemusic. Love you bro’.
JLS shot to fame on X Factor in 2008 after finishing runners-up to Alexandra Burke and went on to sell over ten million records. Williams set up a music firm and sang solo under stage name OWS after the band split in 2013.
