Nigella Lawson choked by husband in public: Report

British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson is known largely for her sinful recipes, beauty, and unpretentious attitude on screen. But now she might be known for something less palatable as well. Disturbing photos of Nigella seemingly being choked publicly by her husband, art and advertising magnate Charles Saatchi, appeared in the Sunday edition of British newspaper The Mirror. The pictures show Lawson, 53, sitting at a restaurant table enshrouded in greenery, as Saatchi leans over and clasps her jaw even as her eyes fill with tears. Another photo shows Saatchi leaning over and pinching her nose as she shuts her eyes. A final few photos show Lawson leaving the restaurant in tears. The restaurant, Scott’s, is located in Mayfair, Central London, and is a popular haunt for celebrities. [caption id=“attachment_875835” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  A screenshot of the assault taken from the website of The Mirror[/caption] Lawson is a celebrity chef who is beloved worldwide for her relaxed approach to cooking. Known for the flirtatious manner she assumes on her show, she’s been called the “queen of food porn”. She is not a trained chef, and has at times gained more attention for her physical beauty than for her cooking skills. The author of books such as How To Eat, she hosted popular TV shows Nigella Feasts and Nigella Express, and last featured as one of the special guests on Iron Chef America. Lawson and Saatchi will have been married for ten years this September. According to The Mirror, fellow diners and passers-bys were privy to this moment of abuse from Saatchi. According to the report, Saatchi first spoke to Lawson angrily, and grasped his hands around her neck four times. Though at first he only used one hand, he then used both, and pushed both hands in her face at one stage. Lawson, teary-eyed and looking terrified, jerked her head back repeatedly as though in fear, and kept nodding as the conversation got more heated. According to onlookers, Lawson attempted to pacify Saatchi repeatedly. “She got angry and raised her voice, but at the same time was trying to calm him down, as you would a child,” said one onlooker. The couple then left the restaurant separately into a waiting car, Lawson still in tears and biting her lip. The newspaper also quotes sources as saying that Lawson’s increased popularity both in Britain and the USA had become a strain in their marriage. Neither Lawson nor Saatchi have issued statements, and Lawson continued to tweet photos of food post the incident. A Scotland Yard spokesperson has said that they are aware of the incident and “ inquiries are being made.” Fans have been quick to react against Saatchi, venting their fury on Twitter.