Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi have issued a joint statement about their divorce, insisting that proceedings remain 'amicable', despite reports
Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi have issued a joint statement slamming reports that their divorce is anything other than 'amicable'.
The pair released the statement this morning following countless reports that both parties were attempting to make financial claims against the other.
It reads: 'Following the separation of Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi there has been much inaccurate speculation in the press over the weekend.
'Nigella and Charles would like to clarify the position. We can confirm that Fiona Shackleton is acting for Nigella Lawson to ensure a swift and amicable resolution.
'A divorce will proceed on the undefended basis, the decree nisi is to be pronounced on July 31, and neither party will be making any financial claims against the other.'
A decree absolute will follow six weeks after the decree nice, ending their marriage once and for all.
The statement adds: 'Contrary to some reports, Charles Saatchi has not consulted lawyers and has represented himself throughout. Both parties would appreciate privacy for themselves and their children at this difficult time.'
Charles Saatchi announced he was filing for divorce back on 7 July. He said: 'I am sorry to announce that Nigella Lawson and I are getting divorced. This is heartbreaking for both of us as our love was very deep, but in the last year we have become estranged and drifted apart.
'I feel that I have clearly been a disappointment to Nigella during the last year or so, and I am disappointed that she was advised to make no public comment to explain that I abhor violence of any kind against women, and have never abused her physically in any way.
'The row photographed at Scott's restaurant could equally have been Nigella grasping my neck to hold my attention – as indeed she has done in the past. I must stress again my actions were not violent. We are instinctively tactile people. Yes, my hands were around her neck, and they had been touching her arm.
'Difficult as it may be to believe, for those who have seen the pictures, there was no pressure applied to her. In fact, it was merely a gesture – one to which a still photograph gives a wholly different and incorrect implication.
'Nigella has given a statement to the police to support this view. I am sorry that we had a row. I am sorry she was upset. I am even more sorry that this is the end of our marriage.'
The pair have been married for almost ten years.
CHARLES SAATCHI FILES FOR DIVORCE
NIGELLA LAWSON PICTURES INVESTIGATED BY POLICE
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