The Art dealer Charles Saatchi and Cookery presenter Nigella Lawson, both self-made millionaires, have stated that they will not be making a financial claim against the other party, in their divorce settlement. This will mean that the divorce will go undefended and a decree nisi will be issued before the end of July.
There was speculation in the Telegraph, over the weekend that the future of Saatchi’s vast art collection was under threat due to the divorce proceedings. This collection is still under negotiation to be gifted to the nation, at some point in the future. Under British law Ms. Lawson would have been entitled to a proportion of the collection.
Lawyer Fiona Shackleton who also represented The Prince of Wales in his divorce from Princess Diana and Sir Paul McCartney with Heather Mills is representing Lawson to bring “swift and amicable” conclusion to the marriage”.
Yesterday, in a statement released to the press, a spokesperson said, “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 31 July, and neither party will be making any financial claims against the other”.
“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.”
Saatchi recently made public his upset at his wife’s decision not to go public about the incident, stating: “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.” Mr Saatchi accepted a police caution for assault in June after photographs appeared in a Sunday tabloid showing the art dealer with his hand on the cookery presenters throat.
The couple estimated to be worth £150million have now filed documents with the High Court after negotiating a settlement through Miss Lawson’s cousin, the lawyer, Fiona Shackleton. Experts have speculated that a pre-nuptial agreement was signed by Ms. Lawson when the couple wed in 2003.
My Bed 1998, by Tracey Emin, collection of Charles Saatchi (Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the Observer)