Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Singer Duffy is set to revisit her ‘devastating’ kidnapping and sexual assault experience in an upcoming Disney+ documentary.
The British artist, whose real name is Aimee Anne Duffy, rose to prominence with a run of major singles including ‘Mercy’ (which topped the charts for five weeks in 2008), along with ‘Warwick Avenue’ and ‘Rain on Your Parade’ from her album Rockferry.
Her rapid rise saw her collect three Brit Awards and a Grammy, before she stepped away from public life in 2011 at the peak of her fame.
Then, in February 2020, the Welsh singer-songwriter revealed she had been raped, drugged and detained by an unknown person while abroad.
“In the aftermath I would not see someone, a physical soul, for sometimes weeks and weeks and weeks at a time, remaining alone.
“I would take off my pyjamas and throw them in the fire and put on another set.
“My hair would get so knotted from not brushing it, as I grieved, I cut it all off.”
Now, around 15 years after the attack, Duffy will speak about that period of her life in a new documentary due to arrive on Disney+.
The project has not yet been given a title or release date, but it will include Duffy’s first major interview in 15 years, alongside contributions from close friends and family members.
Gill Callan, director on the documentary, said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Sean Doyle, Vice President of Unscripted at Disney+, added: “This film will give Duffy the chance to tell her story in her own words. I am grateful to our collaborators at Rare TV for this unprecedented access, along with Stellify Media for handling this project with sensitivity and care.
“We set out in a search for impactful, female-led stories in collaboration with Northern Ireland Screen, and it’s a privilege that Duffy’s is the first we’re able to help tell. But above all, I’m especially in awe of Duffy – for her honesty and courage to share her story.”
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via
online.rainn.org