Two former personal assistants working for celebrity chef Nigella Lawson and her art collector husband Charles Saatchi were aquitted of fraud in London court on Friday after they charged more than $1 million to their boss's credit card.
You might have heard about the intense fallout between Lawson and Saatchi after photographs of the art collector grasping his wife's throat appeared on tabloid covers everywhere.
Among the marital troubles and the couple's dwindling reputations was a court case involving their two personal assistants, Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo, who lived a life of luxury on their boss's dime. In court, the sisters claimed that Lawson allowed their spending provided they keep quiet about the chef's habitual cocaine use. Lawson admitted to using marijuana and cocaine a handful of times but denied all allegations of habitual drug use. An email sent by Saatchi to the chef that was presented in court did not help matters. It read:
"Of course now the Grillos will get off on the basis that you...were so off your heads [sic] on drugs that you allowed the sisters to spend whatever they liked and, yes, I believe every word the Grillos have said, who after all only stole money."
So what did two personal assistants with a credit card and unlimited funds do with the money? According to the BBC, the sisters purchased goods fromLouis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Vivienne Westwood. One sister, Francesca, spent the majority of the money on herself. The Daily Mail reported that she spent more than $2000 to stay at the Ritz in Paris on the same day she purchased a $1000 Chloé dress. Elisabetta reportedly shopped at fewer high fashion stores, but did purchase items from Zara and John Lewis, racking up more than $10,000 in purchases in a single month.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Heidi Gardner Opens Up About Viral Moment She Broke Character During ‘Saturday Night Live’ Beavis and Butt-Head Sketch
“I just couldn’t prepare for what I saw.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Fashion, Family, Fitness: The 3 Guiding Principles of 'MC' Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike and How They Intersect in Her Life
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Caitlin Clark's WNBA Draft Glow Is Courtesy of Glossier
She even wore a just-launched product from the brand.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published