Jodie Kidd axed by M&S over cocaine claims

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Supermodel Jodie Kidd has been dropped from a lucrative advertising campaign with High Street giant Marks & Spencer over her drugs-fixing scandal.

The 28-year-old supermodel, who was reportedly caught selling cocaine to undercover reporters, has yet to be told that her £250,000 contract with the store to advertise its credit card and financial services will not be renewed.

Jodie was one of the company's high-profile signings along with Myleene Klass, Twiggy, Erin O'Connor and Lizzie Jagger.

But the store confirmed it would no longer be using her for any campaigns – with one source saying: "M&S doesn't do drugs. Period."

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Model behaviour: Jodie in a sultry pose

Model behaviour: Jodie in a sultry pose

Steve Sharp, marketing director at M&S, told The Mail on Sunday Jodie's contract with the company would not be renewed. He said: "We do not have an ongoing contract with Jodie Kidd for M&S Money."

Luxury car manufacturers Maserati are also planning to distance themselves from Jodie. She represents them at a number of sporting events, including the annual Gumball Rally.

A source said: "Maserati were talking about severing all ties with Jodie and at one point wanted to confiscate the car they gave her. Jodie will have to wait and see what happens."

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Driven away? Maserati may also axe Jodie

Jodie enjoyed huge success as the face of M&S's credit card and appeared in a television commercial as well as poster campaigns throughout stores advertising car and home insurance policies.

Although the 6ft 1in model was not filmed taking cocaine, she told reporters the drugs were good quality and said: "I do it. I'm not going to do s***."

One source close to M&S, who did not wish to be named, said: "We always thought Jodie was such a sporty girl and she never seemed the sort to do drugs.

"She was always polo mad, fresh faced and sparky. The news that she has been linked with cocaine dealing has come as a complete shock." Another source added: "There is really no alternative but to lose her from the campaigns. As a company we have to be whiter than white. We could never use someone like Kate Moss, for example. M&S doesn't do drugs or tarts. It's just not in keeping with the brand."

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Black Marks: Jodie appearing in an advert for M&S

Black Marks: Jodie appearing in an advert for M&S

Jodie, who flew to America last week to host the Red Bull air race in San Diego, is said to be "devastated" by the drugs allegations and has told friends she fears her career is over.

She has also revealed that she cannot afford to take legal action against the newspaper. "I have spoken to Jodie and she is in pieces," a friend said. "She is devastated by the allegations but she has realised there is nothing she can do.

"She plans to keep her head down for the time being. Jodie is very short of cash having spent heavily on legal action brought by showbusiness lawyers Schillings, who also advised BP boss Lord Browne in his disastrous court case."

Jodie was due to appear in last week's Fashion For Relief charity show hosted by Naomi Campbell. But friends say she pulled out at the last minute after being "mortally embarrassed" at having described Naomi as a "f***ing monster".

While Jodie has refused to comment on the allegations, friends say that she has been at a low stage in her life following her recent divorce from Aiden Butler. The couple split in August, less than a year after getting married.

Last month, it was reported that Jodie had moved into her brother Jack Kidd's house in Windsor.

Jack, who was also divorced this year, was involved in the newspaper sting along with his sister and allegedly told reporters: "Next time give us some warning. We will get a load for you. Take it one bag at a time."

A spokesman for the supermodel said last night: "Over the years, Jodie has had a series of individual contracts with Marks & Spencer but there isn't a contract to be dropped at the moment."

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