Nigella's ex testifies never saw her on drugs

June 17, 2009. British chef and food writer Nigella Lawson arrives for the British premiere of the film Bruno at Leicester Square in central London. (Reuters)

Charles Saatchi says he has no knowledge of his ex-wife Nigella Lawson ever taking drugs — days after the release of an email in which he referred to the celebrity chef as drug-addled.

Saatchi testified Friday at the fraud trial of two former personal assistants, who are accused of spending the former couple's money on luxury goods. They deny wrongdoing.

When asked if he believed allegations Lawson was so high she allowed the assistants to spend freely, Saatchi told the court "not for a second."

The art baron said it was a "terrible mistake" that an email he'd sent Lawson claiming she was on drugs was made public in court.

Saatchi says he has "never, never seen any evidence of Nigella taking any drug whatsoever."

Lawson is expected to testify Wednesday.