New Evidence in Trial Shows Nigella Lawson, Famed Cookbook Author and Chef, Abused Pot and Cocaine for Years

Evidence made public by a British judge on Tuesday, November 26th alleges that famous chef, cookbook author, and TV personality Nigella Lawson abused illegal drugs, including pot, cocaine, and prescription medications for a decade behind her husband’s back.

The self-proclaimed “domestic goddess” secretly used illegal drugs, particularly pot and cocaine, behind her husband’s back every day for a year, according to the new evidence. Reportedly, ex-husband and art dealer Charles Saatchi, 70, derisively called her “Hi-gella” after he found out.

The 53-year-old best-selling cookbook author and co-star of popular competitive cooking show “The Taste” even allegedly got wasted with her teenage daughter.

The drug abuse allegations were kept under wraps since a November 15th pre-trial hearing for two ex-assistants of the couple, who were charged with defrauding Saatchi and Lawson of $500,000. However, the judge lifted the gag order after ruling that “bad character” evidence against Lawson could buttress defense claims in the case.

“I consider, with the right rulings and the ability to monitor the process of the court during the process of the trial, a fair trial can be achieved and therefore I have refused this application,” he said.

The defendants, sisters Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, claim they were allowed to spend lavishly with the company credit card if they would keep Lawson’s pot and cocaine habit under wraps.

Saatchi and Lawson divorced in July of this year. Around that time, Saatchi was photographed grabbing Lawson by the neck in a fit of rage.

“It is our submission the row that what happened, resulting in Mr. Saatchi assaulting Nigella, may well have had something to do with Nigella taking drugs and may well have had something to do with the issue before this court,” defense lawyer Anthony Metzer argued Tuesday.

Trafficking: Cocaine, Marijuana, or Heroin in South Carolina

Trafficking charges are based upon the weight of the drug you are in possession of:

• Ten grams of cocaine
• Four grams of heroin
• Ten pounds of marijuana

In South Carolina, possession of drugs at this weight or greater is considered trafficking.

Penalties for drug trafficking can include a minimum sentencing of 25 years. Trafficking and distribution offenses are considered violent, no-parole offenses and a conviction can certainly have you serving the full time you are sentenced to.

To be charged with actual possession of pot, cocaine, heroin or another illegal drug, the drugs must physically be on you, i.e., in your pocket, jacket, purse, or hand; to be charged with constructive possession, the drugs can be found in your car or home.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help With Drug Charges, Including Cocaine and Pot Possession or Distribution

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with cocaine, pot, heroin, or prescription drug possession or distribution, contact the drug crime lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients, providing aggressive representation grounded in our years of experience building and interpreting the laws of South Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800