In his latest attack on his ex-wife, Saatchi released a statement on Friday claiming Nigella started a sexual relationship with him months before her first husband – one of Saatchi’s closest friends – died of cancer.
“Nigella and I began our relationship during the last six months of her husband John Diamond’s life, rather than after his death as she stated in court,” Saatchi said.
“Looking back at that time, I very deeply regret that this betrayal of John occurred.”
But Nigella’s friends have leapt to her defence, insisting there was no “betrayal” because John gave Nigella and Saatchi his blessing.
“When he knew he didn’t have long left, he gave his approval to Saatchi,” a friend told the Sunday People.
“He was very keen on his young children having a father figure so actively encourage Nigella to date Saatchi.”
Nigella’s team insist the relationship did not become sexual until after John died in 2001. Her supporters insist any suggestion Nigella “betrayed” John are nothing but “a wicked attempt to smear her”.
“Saatchi has been doing his worst for months to damage Nigella because he can’t bear it that she walked out on him,” a friend said. “Why can’t he just get on with his life and let her get on with hers.”
John met Saatchi in a Knightsbridge restaurant in 1997. They became fast friends and John soon brought Saatchi home to meet his wife Nigella. Saatchi was a frequent visitor during John’s four-year convalescence, and became close to Nigella as John’s health declined.
