Oritsé Williams

Oritsé Williams was born on 27 November 1986 in London. He is of Nigerian and Caribbean descent. Since the age of 12, Williams has cared for his mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and his two brothers and sister. He attended Larmenier & Sacred Heart Primary School in West London, where he learnt to play the trumpet.

He also attended British International School, Lagos, Nigeria and the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School.

{{main|JLS}}

File:JLS KISS-FM Chicago 2010-04-20 Photo-by-Adam-Bielawski.jpg in Chicago, April 2010]]

In 2007, Williams and his brother came up with a "grand plan" to cure their mother's MS. His brother was studying to be a scientist to find a cure for the condition, whilst Williams was going to back him up through his love of music. Williams then set up a boy band called UFO ("Unique Famous Outrageous") with Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes and JB Gill. In 2008, UFO auditioned for the fifth series of The X Factor, but changed their name to JLS ("Jack the Lad Swing") as there was already a rock band called UFO. JLS made it all the way to the final, finishing as runners-up behind Alexandra Burke.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/alexandra-burke-wins-x-factor-365725|title=Alexandra Burke wins X Factor|last=Gould|first=Lara|date=13 December 2008|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=26 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112164128/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/alexandra-burke-wins-x-factor-365725|archive-date=12 November 2013|url-status=live}}

Since being on The X Factor, JLS have sold over 10 million records worldwide and had four UK top three albums and five UK number-one singles. They have also won five MOBO Awards and two BRIT Awards. In September 2010, they launched a range of condoms called "Just Love Safe".{{cite news|url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/a9931/jls-launch-new-range-of-condoms-durex-106036/|title=JLS launch new range of condoms with Durex|date=10 September 2010|work=Cosmopolitan|access-date=31 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051523/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/a9931/jls-launch-new-range-of-condoms-durex-106036/|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}} In February 2011, they teamed up with Burke to release a clothing range.{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/jls/news/jls-launch-their-own-clothing-range/|title=JLS launch their own clothing range|date=2 February 2011|publisher=Capital FM|access-date=26 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928015631/http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/jls/news/jls-launch-their-own-clothing-range/|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=live}}

On 24 April 2013, JLS made the announcement that they would split after the release of their fifth album, Goodbye – The Greatest Hits. In a statement, they said: "We wanted to make sure that you heard it from the four of us, that we have decided to bring our time as a band to an end."{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/22275617|title=JLS announce split after farewell tour and new album|date=24 April 2013|work=Newsbeat|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722171344/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/22275617|archive-date=22 July 2013|url-status=live}} When they appeared on Alan Carr: Chatty Man to discuss splitting up, Williams remained silent at first whilst bandmates Merrygold, Humes and Gill spoke, but he finally broke down in tears and had to be comforted by Humes.{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a476242/jls-orits-williams-breaks-down-over-split-on-alan-carr-pictures/|title=JLS Oritsé Williams breaks down over split on Alan Carr|last=Sperling|first=Daniel|date=25 April 2013|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=31 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101100504/https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a476242/jls-orits-williams-breaks-down-over-split-on-alan-carr-pictures/|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Stepping Out (UK TV series)|l1=Stepping Out}}

In August and September 2013, Williams took part in the ITV dancing show Stepping Out, reaching the final against Brian McFadden and his wife Vogue. Williams went on to win the series on 28 September 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a511531/laurence-llewelyn-bowen-i-turned-down-strictly-to-dance-with-wife.html|title=Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen: 'I turned down Strictly to dance with wife'|last=Rigby|first=Sam|date=31 August 2013|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=25 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926202742/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a511531/laurence-llewelyn-bowen-i-turned-down-strictly-to-dance-with-wife.html|archive-date=26 September 2013|url-status=live}}

• Note: In week 4, the challenge was for each celebrity to dance with someone else's partner in the "Wife Swap" challenge. Oritsé danced once with AJ and the second time with Brian's partner Vogue, her scores are not displayed on the chart below.

Oritsé changed his stage name to OWS and announced his first solo album Waterline to be released in June 2015 available on iTunes. {{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}: During this period Williams was managed by John Proctor.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/cooking-vinyl-john-black-gold-music-management/ |title=Indie Label Cooking Vinyl Launches Music Management Arm |magazine=Billboard |date=2015-02-06 |access-date=2024-04-20}}

In September 2010, an "Oritsé doll" was launched, along with the other 3 members of JLS.{{cite web|url=http://www.reveal.co.uk/showbiz-celeb-gossip/i559362-8/jls-our-favourite-moments-jls-pose-with-jls-dolls.html|title=Here are JLS with their very own dolls|work=Reveal|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707211253/http://www.reveal.co.uk/showbiz-celeb-gossip/i559362-8/jls-our-favourite-moments-jls-pose-with-jls-dolls.html|archive-date=7 July 2013|url-status=live}} Updated dolls were produced for the launch of JLS' second album Outta This World.

Durex teamed up with JLS to produce a condom range called "Just Love Safe", with each member of the group having their own box. Oritsé's box being red. JLS also released their iconic hoodie range, with Oritsé's Hoodie being, again, red.

In 2010 Williams alongside Gill, Humes and Merrygold endorsed Nintendo Wii Party appearing in 7 different TV adverts.{{cite web|url=http://bitchbuzz.com/news/awkward-advertising-jls-wii-party.html|title=JLS Wii Party|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219155707/http://bitchbuzz.com/news/awkward-advertising-jls-wii-party.html|archive-date=19 February 2014}} JLS were also part of the Walkers crisps "Make sandwich more exciting" advertising campaign, their performance at Sandwich Technology School appeared on the television ad alongside other celebrities such as Gary Lineker, Pamela Anderson and Jenson Button.{{cite web|url=http://www.pepsico.co.uk/our-company/trade-information/trade-media-centre/trade-news/walkers-puts-the-celebrity-into-sandwich|title=Walkers puts the celebrity into Sandwich|publisher=Pepisico|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093819/http://www.pepsico.co.uk/our-company/trade-information/trade-media-centre/trade-news/walkers-puts-the-celebrity-into-sandwich|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

Oritsé and the other 3 members founded "The JLS Foundation"{{cite web|url=http://www.sugarscape.com/tags/news/800628/jls-relaunch-jls-foundation-incredible-fan-competition|title=JLS re-launch JLS Foundation with INCREDIBLE fan competition|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219143047/http://www.sugarscape.com/tags/news/800628/jls-relaunch-jls-foundation-incredible-fan-competition|archive-date=19 February 2014|url-status=live}} a foundation that sets out to raise money for 6 different charities: Cancer Research UK, Rays of Sunshine, Brook, Childline, Beat Bullying and the MS Society. Despite the split, the foundation still exists and all members are still committed to continue the foundation.

Oritsé was an ambassador for the MS society, a charity that helps raise money and awareness of Multiple sclerosis; an illness that Oritsé's mother was diagnosed with when he was younger.{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2009/08/18/jls-oritse-i-want-to-cure-mums-ms-349841/|title=JLS Oritse: I want to cure mum's MS|date=18 August 2009|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220210359/http://metro.co.uk/2009/08/18/jls-oritse-i-want-to-cure-mums-ms-349841/|archive-date=20 February 2014|url-status=live}} He left the role after being arrested.{{cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2018091462332/jls-oritse-williams-sexual-assault-arrest/|title=JLS star Oritse Williams has been charged with sexual assault|date=14 September 2018|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011214522/https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2018091462332/jls-oritse-williams-sexual-assault-arrest/|archive-date=11 October 2018|url-status=live}}

All sales from the JLS number one single Love You More went to Children in Need.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_9050000/newsid_9051800/9051805.stm|title=JLS sing official Children in Need single Love You More|date=October 2010 |access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215084620/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_9050000/newsid_9051800/9051805.stm|archive-date=15 December 2013|url-status=live}} In 2012 JLS performed at the "Children in Need Rocks Manchester" concert performing Take a Chance on Me.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/going-out/music/children-in-need-rocks-manchester-lady-278340#.Uu6mUfsjWKI|title=Children in Need Rocks Manchester: Lady Gaga and Coldplay rock charity gig|website=Daily Mirror |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=3 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401010012/https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/going-out/music/children-in-need-rocks-manchester-lady-278340#.Uu6mUfsjWKI|archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=live}} In 2013 Aston appeared on Children in Need for the last time as a member of JLS where the group sang a medley of JLS songs at the EastEnders set.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/children-need-2013-pictures-one-2798309#.Uu6gj_sjWKI|title=Children in Need in pictures: One Direction and JLS help raise £31m for charity|website=Daily Mirror |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=3 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401005906/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/children-need-2013-pictures-one-2798309#.Uu6gj_sjWKI|archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=live}}

Oritsé, along with the rest of JLS, have also helped raise money for Comic Relief, appearing in comedy sketches with both Miranda Hart{{cite web|url=http://unrealityshout.com/blogs/miranda-hart-jls-and-louis-spence-join-forces-comic-relief|title=Miranda Hart, JLS and Louis Spence join forces for Comic Relief|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220004806/http://unrealityshout.com/blogs/miranda-hart-jls-and-louis-spence-join-forces-comic-relief|archive-date=20 February 2014}} and James Corden.{{cite web|url=http://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/JLS-James-Corden-and-Justin-Bieber-were-hilarious-in-Comic-Relief-|title=JLS, James Corden and Justin Bieber were hilarious in Comic Relief|work=OK! Magazine |access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306214709/http://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/JLS-James-Corden-and-Justin-Bieber-were-hilarious-in-Comic-Relief-|archive-date=6 March 2014|url-status=live}}

In 2012, all the JLS members visited Uganda for Sport Relief appearing in emotional VT's across the night.{{cite web|url=http://www.retrak.org/newsDetail.aspx?uid=165|title=JLS visit Retrak in Uganda|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219204350/http://www.retrak.org/newsDetail.aspx?uid=165|archive-date=19 February 2014}} The same year JLS released the official Sport Relief charity single, Proud which peaked at number 6 in the Official UK Singles chart,{{cite web|url=http://www.comicrelief.com/news/jls-proud-sport-relief-single|title=JLS Proud of Sport Relief Single|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219173149/http://www.comicrelief.com/news/jls-proud-sport-relief-single|archive-date=19 February 2014|url-status=live}} as well as hosting a special charity concert "JLS sing for Sport Relief"{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/03/2444/rugby-choir-sing-with-jls-for-sport-relief-2012|title=Rugby Choir sing with JLS for Sport Relief 2012 – RugbyDump|website=rugbydump.com|access-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219234713/http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/03/2444/rugby-choir-sing-with-jls-for-sport-relief-2012|archive-date=19 February 2014|url-status=live}} and doing the Sport Relief Mile.{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/26/jls-mel-c-and-kimberley-walsh-lead-stars-in-sport-relief-mile-364525/|title=JLS, Mel C and Kimberley Walsh lead stars in Sport Relief mile|date=26 March 2012|newspaper=Metro|access-date=31 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051542/https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/26/jls-mel-c-and-kimberley-walsh-lead-stars-in-sport-relief-mile-364525/|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}}

In total JLS have appeared in 5 charity singles: A cover of "Hero" as part of the X Factor 2008 finalists (for Help for Heroes), Wishing on a Star X Factor finalists ft. JLS and One Direction (for organization Together for Short Lives) "Love You More" (for Children in Need), "Proud" (for Sport Relief) and "Everybody Hurts" (for Helping Haiti). 4 out of 5 of these charity singles went to number one on the Official UK Singles chart.

In September 2018, Williams was charged with the rape of a fan in Wolverhampton.{{cite news|title=Ex-JLS member Oritse Williams charged with Wolverhampton rape|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-45518544|publisher=BBC News|date=14 September 2018|access-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914071622/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-45518544|archive-date=14 September 2018|url-status=live}} A second individual was charged with assault by penetration in connection with the same incident.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/jls-star-rape-charge-oriste-williams-court-fan-hotel-wolverhampton-walsall-a8578756.html|title=JLS star Oritse Williams in court over 'rape of fan in hotel room'|date=2018-10-11|website=The Independent|location=London|access-date=2019-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105104222/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/jls-star-rape-charge-oriste-williams-court-fan-hotel-wolverhampton-walsall-a8578756.html|archive-date=5 January 2019|url-status=live}} Oritsé appeared in court on 11 October.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-45824891|title=Ex-JLS member in court over rape charge|publisher=BBC News |date=11 October 2018|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026182737/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-45824891|archive-date=26 October 2018|url-status=live}} His trial began at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 14 May 2019.{{cite news|last=Krause|first=Riley|title=Former JLS star denies raping woman in hotel|work=Croydon Guardian|page=3|date=16 May 2019}} Oritsé was tried in front of a jury of eight women and four men{{cite news|title=JLS star Oritse Williams found not guilty of hotel rape|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-28/former-jls-star-oritse-williams-cleared-over-hotel-rape-charge/|publisher=ITV News|date=28 May 2019|access-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118160404/https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-28/former-jls-star-oritse-williams-cleared-over-hotel-rape-charge/|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live}} who deliberated for around two hours before unanimously acquitting Williams of all charges.{{cite news|title=Former JLS singer cleared of raping fan after court sees CCTV footage of pair 'acting like couple' outside club|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/05/28/former-jls-singer-cleared-raping-fan-court-sees-cctv-footage/|work=The Telegraph|date=28 May 2019|access-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610230053/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/05/28/former-jls-singer-cleared-raping-fan-court-sees-cctv-footage/|archive-date=10 June 2019|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110807070424/http://www.jlsofficial.com/ JLS official website]

{{JLS}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Oritse}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:JLS members

Category:English people of Trinidad and Tobago descent

Category:People acquitted of rape

Category:Singers from London

Category:English people of Nigerian descent