Nigella Lawson has enjoyed over two decades on television, over that time period there was a particular moment of stress with her ex-husband.
Nigella Lawson is a TV personality who has captured the attention of many across the world, particularly due to her charming nature and her finesse in the kitchen. She is revered amongst her fans and Nigella often engages with them too on her Twitter page.
Over the course of two decades, Nigella has established herself in front of the cameras and in the kitchen. She has gone through a lot of highs but some lows as well, particularly relating to her ex-husband.
An unnerving incident
Wales Online reports that Nigella was married to an advertising agency founder and wealthy art collector, Charles Saatchi. The couple tied the knot in 2003, but ten years later in 2013, photos emerged of Saatchi assaulting Nigella at a restaurant in London.
The Mirror reported at the time on the incident stating that the couple were seen at their usual table outside the restaurant. Suddenly, Saatchi reached for Nigella's throat four times while shelling out expletives at her. Nigella at the time was seen to be alarmed and frightened.
The TV personality further elaborated on the incident in 2019, stating that she had seen somebody walking by with a baby stroller, and she said 'I am so looking forward to having grandchildren,' but it was at that time Saatchi grabbed her by the throat saying 'I am the only person you should be concerned with. I am the only person who should be giving you pleasure.'
The aftermath
Following the incident, Saatchi defended his actions stating that the images were taken out of context and the photographs gave a much worse impression of what was supposedly happening, reports Us Magazine.
Saatchi said:
About a week ago, we were sitting outside a restaurant having an intense debate about the children, and I held Nigella's neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasize my point. There was no grip, it was a playful tiff.
That being said, the statement made by Saatchi doesn't entirely align with what onlookers have reported at the restaurant. According to The Mirror, nobody intervened to help Nigella during that moment, but many were shocked by what was happening.
Nigella was seemingly trembling, and she was attempting to calm Saatchi down by by speaking to him and placing a hand on his wrist, then leaning over to kiss his cheek.
An onlooker noted:
It was utterly shocking to watch,” said one onlooker. “I have no doubt she was scared. It was horrific, really. She was very tearful and was constantly dabbing her eyes. Nigella was very, very upset. She had a real look of fear on her face.
They further mentioned that:
No man should do that to a woman. She raised her voice and got angry but at the same time was trying to calm him down, almost like you would try to calm down a child.
On the mend
The couple were granted divorce a month later which officially ended their 10-year marriage, reports BBC. Nigella has remained silent over the years until 2019 when she actually spoke about the reason Saatchi assaulted her.
An interview by The Guardian in 2020 reported that Nigella found happiness following her divorce, and that she is in a much better place. She is currently set to embark on a North-American tour to speak and engage with her fans about her passion for cooking.
Read more:
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