And today Nigella Lawson has admitted she used cocaine ‘several’ times, but is not a habitual user.
The TV chef told Isleworth Crown court today that she took the drug half a dozen times when her late husband John Diamond was terminally ill.
She explained that her then husband used the drug after his diagnosis and that she had joined him on some occasions.
She also admitted to having taken the drug once in July 2010 when offered it by a friend.
'There are two times in my life when I have used cocaine'
‘I was having a very, very difficult time, I was being subjugated to intimate terrorism by Mr Saatchi,’ Lawson said, adding that she is not an addict.
‘The idea that I'm a drug addict or a habitual user of cocaine is ridiculous. I don't have a drug problem, I have a life problem.’
She added: ‘I have never been a drug addict. I've never been a habitual user. There are two times in my life when I have used cocaine.
‘I have to be honest, I have smoked the odd joint. It's a false friend and not a good idea.
‘I have to say, since freeing myself from a brilliant but brutal man, I'm now totally cannabis, cocaine, any drug-free.’
Earlier today, the 53-year-old told the court that her presence at the trial was another instance of the ‘bullying and abuse’ she had faced this year following her split from Saatchi.
She claimed: ‘He had said to me if I didn't get back to him and clear his name he would destroy me.’
Nigella also explained the ‘awful incident’ in June where her ex-husband was photographed with his hands around her throat.
'He grabbed me by the throat and said “I'm the only person you should be concerned with”
She claimed the incident was sparked when she commented on a person walking by with a baby.
She said: ‘I said “I'm so looking forward to having grandchildren;”
‘He grabbed me by the throat and said “I'm the only person you should be concerned with”.’
Charles later accepted a police caution, despite dismissing the altercation previously as a ‘playful tiff’.
Nigella’s admission comes as she was giving evidence at the trial of two former personal assistants accused of spending thousands of pounds on her and credit cards when they worked for the couple.