'I've eaten a lot of chocolate': Nigella Lawson gives first interview since 'mortifying' trial
The TV chef said she did not 'pity' herself after the fraud trial of her and her ex-husband's former personal assistants
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nigella Lawson told a US TV programme that having “distortions” of her private life “on display” during the fraud trial of her two former personal assistants was “mortifying”.
In her first TV appearance since her and her ex-husband Charles Saatchi’s personal assistants were acquitted, she said she only wanted to protect her children during the hearing: something, she said, “I couldn’t always do”.
Ms Lawson, who is best known for her work as a celebrity chef, was promoting her new Channel 4 project The Taste on ABC’s Good Morning America when presenters asked her about the court case.
"Since then I've eaten a lot of chocolate," said Ms Lawson, on how she got herself over the trial.
"[I have] had a very good Christmas and am into the New Year," she continued.
When questioned over what giving evidence as a witness in the trial of Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo was like, the mother-of-two said: “I can't really remember exactly because you're so focused on answering the questions to the best of your ability that actually you don't really have an enormous awareness of yourself.
"Maybe that's a good thing. My only desire really was to protect my children as much as possible which... Alas I couldn't always do."
She also reiterated that being called to the witness stand was like being on trial herself.
"To have not only your private life but distortions of your private life put on display is mortifying," she said, adding that other people experience "an awful lot worse and to dwell on any of it would be self pity and I don't like to do that."
Ms Lawson will appear on The Taste on 7 January, when it will become clear how the trial has affected her popularity with UK audiences.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments