Nigella Lawson was barred from boarding a flight to the US on Sunday, according to reports.
The TV chef reportedly checked in at Heathrow airport for a British Airways flight to the States, however according to the Daily Mail, shortly after heading through security Nigella was informed that she could not board the plane.
Nigella Lawson
“She didn’t seem to say much, but she did not look happy,” an onlooker told the paper. “She could not get on the flight so she had to turn around and leave.”
Nigella’s admission was made during Francesca and Elisabeth Grillo’s fraud trial and Scotland Yard chose not to act over ‘The Taste’ judge’s confession.
The USA has strict laws in place dictating who can and cannot enter the country, including a rule stating that anyone who has admitted drug offences anywhere else in the world cannot enter the States.
While the US Border Officials cannot comment on individual cases, a spokesperson has given the Daily Mail an explanation of the law.
“In general, an alien found inadmissible will need a waiver of inadmissibility,” they stated. “Depending on the basis of their refusal they may be eligible to apply in advance of travel for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility.”
British Airways are also unable to comment on individual passengers, and Nigella’s representatives were not available for comment.
On Monday, Nigella tweeted that she was going to be “offline for a while enjoying the ultimate; a holiday break with no signal” and in the early hours of Sunday morning she shared a snap of her “holiday #essentials”; Maldon sea salt, Colman’s mustard and a large sun hat.
Nigella is thought to travel to the US regularly for work and leisure. 'The Taste' was filmed in the US and she has also appeared on a number of American TV shows including 'Good Morning America'.