Nigella Lawson 'distraught' as she issues emotional plea after pal Salman Rushdie stabbed

express.co.uk:

The Booker Prize winner was speaking at an event New York State Police said a male suspect ran up onto the stage and attacked Mr Rushdie and an interviewer."Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck," the police statement said."Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck," the police statement said.The author was transported by helicopter to a local hospital and his condition is not currently known.The Indian-born novelist catapulted to fame with Midnight's Children in 1981, which went on to sell over one million copies in the UK alone.But Mr Rushdie's fourth book, in 1988 - The Satanic Verses - forced him into hiding for nine years.The surrealist, post-modern novel sparked outrage among some Muslims, who considered its content to be blasphemous, and was banned in some countries.Literary events attended by Mr Rushdie have been subject to threats and boycotts in the past.Deborah James’ husband Sebastien Bowen recalls final months together[LATEST]Rachel Riley's tearful row with husband Pasha amid 'horrible abuse'[ADMISSION]Elizabeth Hurley, 57, ethereal in white dress for World Elephant Day[PICTURES]In a statement, the Chautauqua Institution said "it is currently coordinating with law enforcement and emergency officials on a public response following today's attack of Salman Rushdie on the Chautauqua Amphitheater stage."They added: "We will provide more details as we know them".Nigella and Salman have known each other for a number of years and the TV personality recently addressed the moment she offered to cook for him but agents of national security unit Special Branch had to wait for him in her bedroom.At the time, Salman was in hiding following the release of his book, The Satanic Verses.She said:.