Rita Ora has revealed that she understands why Canadian sensation Justin Bieber lashed out to protect himself recently in Barcelona. 

Bieber made headlines this week after driving through the Spanish city on his way to the Palau Sant Jordi stadium as part of his Purpose tour and punching a fan who decided to lean in through the open window of his car and try to grab him. 

Rita Ora told the Metro newspaper: "I'm not speaking for anybody, but knowing him and his incredible background, I know how it feels to be uncomfortable and scared. I feel like anyone who had a hand in their face is going to protect themselves."

She added that being scared of public situations is unfortunately something she has had to deal with in the past: "There are definitely moments where they cross over the boundary of it becoming almost scary."

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Watch footage of the incident here: