Sitting alone at a cafe table, Lawson, 53, looked pale and drawn as she spoke on her mobile. It was the first time she has been seen in public since fleeing the couple's home last Sunday.
Her millionaire art collector husband, Charles Saatchi, was pictured grabbing Lawson by the throat after a row at a restaurant, reported Sun Online.
Following which she left her 10,000 pounds-a-week rented apartment in central London. After initially defending himself, Saatchi, had admitted he assaulted his wife Lawson.
"She clearly has a lot of things on her mind. You could tell she had had a few stressful days. She looked light years away from the gorgeous, voluptuous woman you see on the TV. Things have clearly taken their toll," a source said.
It is understood Lawson, wed ten years, has been at the flat since Monday. Saatchi has not been seen there.