Judge says case can deal with alleged drug use by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson

LONDON – A judge has ruled that an upcoming court case can deal with allegations that celebrity chef Nigella Lawson used drugs.

The case involves two personal assistants to Lawson and ex-husband Charles Saatchi who are set to go on trial for fraud.

The assistants’ lawyers want to introduce allegations that Lawson used drugs at the time. The assistants deny wrongdoing.

Judge Robin Johnson told a pre-trial hearing Tuesday that Lawson and other witnesses could be questioned about drug use during the trial.

The judge also read an email from Saatchi in which he said his wife abused drugs extensively.

Saatchi and Lawson divorced earlier this year after a newspaper published photos of Saatchi grasping his wife’s throat during an argument at a London restaurant.

A spokesman for Lawson declined to comment.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.