Sam Sharma/PacificCoastNews.comThings too hot in the kitchen? Nigella Lawson is learning that's nothing compared to how fiery a courtroom ran can be!
The TV chef and ex-husband Charles Saatchi's former kitchen assistants, Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, are on trial for allegedly defrauding the couple out of more than £300,000 ($484,600) while under their employment. A defense lawyer argued, per BBC News, that the divorced couple's issues with each other—and Lawson's alleged drug use—discredit their ability to stand trial as credible witnesses.
Anthony Metzer, the lawyer representing the Italian sisters, told the court: "The defendants' case is that Nigella Lawson lied to her ex-husband about her drug use and about the expenditure that was incurred by the defendants, both expressly and implicitly, because she was fearful of Mr. Saatchi's reaction if he knew about the extent of the expenditure and drug use."
"There was a culture of secrecy within Nigella Lawson's marriage," said Metzer, adding, "If Mr. Saatchi is telling the truth [about Lawson's alleged drug use], then Ms. Lawson is a habitual criminal."
Although a rep for Lawson was unable to provide a comment to E! News because of live court proceedings, the chef tweeted her fans Tuesday a "Holiday Hotcake" recipe, calling it "the perfect recipe to show thanks for all your support & to those who hashtag #teamNigella"