Nigella disappoints Kiwi choc-makers

Whittaker's pin-up Nigella Lawson has been accused of using cocaine.

Kiwi chocolate-maker Whittaker's is considering whether to keep using Nigella Lawson in TV commercials after allegations the celebrity cook used cocaine.

This week, two of Lawson's former personal assistants claimed as part of their defence in a British fraud trial that the celebrity TV cook was a regular drug user.

Lawson's ex-husband, millionaire art dealer Charles Saatchi, accused her of being "off her head" on drugs while they were married, but has since backed away from the claims.

Whittaker's yesterday said it was disappointed about the revelations and had discussed the issue at a "senior level".

Whittaker's last year signed Lawson to promote its new 5 Roll refined chocolate in a TV ad campaign. The company, which prides itself on its family-friendly and trustworthy image, said Lawson's contract with it had ended in October.

Marketing manager Holly Whittaker said no decision had been made about continuing use of the star, but the company had no plans to run the commercial again.

"We chose Nigella because she is widely liked for her warm and refined manner," Whittaker told the Herald on Sunday. "What happened is disappointing, but we are remaining neutral at this stage. What happens in Nigella's personal life is out of our control, but that is the risk you take when engaging with celebrities."

Whittaker said the drug-taking allegations had been discussed "briefly" at a senior level, but the company had received no complaints from customers.

Canterbury University associate marketing professor Ekant Veer said companies seeking celebrity endorsement looked for people who were a good match with the brand.

"In this case - Whittaker's, Nigella Lawson, decadent, sexy, cool, sweet - it all makes sense. Throw cocaine in there, and suddenly it doesn't seem to make so much sense."