Katherine Jenkins has spoken for the first time about comments David Beckham allegedly made about her in leaked private emails. The former footballer reportedly labelled Katherine's OBE a "joke" and referred to her previous reported drug use in one of the messages. Now the classical singer has responded to the furore in a new interview with The Sun's Fabulous magazine. "I'm a human being. Of course something like that would be hurtful," Katherine, 36, said.
Katherine Jenkins received her OBE in 2014 for her services to charity and music
"But at the same time, I've learned that when you're famous sometimes you get dragged into things you shouldn't be involved in. Sometimes people feel like they know you, but actually they know nothing about you." Shortly after the emails came to light, Katherine's representatives issued a response. Her manager, Jonathan Shalit, came to her defence saying the star was awarded her OBE in the New Year's Honours 2014 for "services to music and charity". He continued: "With regards to the taking of coke which Katherine has courageously publicly admitted with great honesty – this was when she was in her early 20s still studying, over a decade before she was awarded her OBE and started her recording career."
David, meanwhile, has previously said that the leaked emails – which reportedly also called into question his motivation for working with UNICEF - were "doctored". His spokesperson released a statement to HELLO!, saying: "This story is based on outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails from a third party server and gives a deliberately inaccurate picture. David Beckham and UNICEF have had a powerful partnership in support of children for over 15 years.
David Beckham has previously stated that the leaked emails were "doctored"
"The David Beckham 7 Fund specifically has raised millions of pounds and helped millions of vulnerable children around the world," the statement continued. "David Beckham has given significant time and energy and has made personal financial donations to the 7 Fund and this commitment will continue long term. Before establishing the 7 Fund, David had supported UNICEF and a number of other charities over many years, including donating his entire earnings from PSG during his time playing there. David and UNICEF are rightly proud of what they have and will continue to achieve together and are happy to let the facts speak for themselves."