CHARLES SAATCHI SAYS he has no knowledge of his ex-wife Nigella Lawson ever taking drugs — days after the release of an email in which he referred to the celebrityher being “off her head” on drugs.

When questioned about the email by prosecutor Jane Carpenter, Mr Saatchi said he was “utterly bereft” that the private email to Nigella had come back to haunt them both.

Testified

Saatchi testified today at the fraud trial of two former personal assistants, who are accused of spending the former couple’s money on luxury goods. They deny any wrongdoing.

When asked if he believed allegations Lawson was so high she allowed the assistants to spend freely, Saatchitold the court “not for a second.”

The art baron said it was a “terrible mistake” that an email he’d sent Lawson claiming she was on drugs was made public in court.

Saatchi says he has “never, never seen any evidence of Nigella taking any drug whatsoever.”

The BBC reports that Saatchi said he was “utterly heartbroken at having lost Nigella” and when asked if he had adored Ms Lawson during their marriage, he said: “I adore Nigella now.”

Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson broke up in the summer after pictures were published showing the millionaire art dealer holding his wife by the throat at the restaurant in Mayfair. They divorced soon after.

A copy of the signature of Nigella Lawson on a statement in support of divorce petition. (Philip Toscano/Press Association Images)

Lawson is expected to testify Wednesday.

Additional reporting Associated Press

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