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Mazher Mahmood, known as the "fake Sheikh", branded Tulisa Contostavlos’s claims that he spiked her drink during one of their set-up meetings "absolutely outrageous".
As part of the sting that Mr Mahmood claims aimed to "expose criminality" about an alleged drug deal, Ms. Contostavlos was told she was being considered for a £3.5million lead role in a movie that was tipped for an Academy Award. The Slumdog Millionaire-style film would also star Leonardo DiCaprio, the reporter apparently informed her.
"The motive here is in the public interest to expose criminality," Mr Mahmood told the court under cross-examination by Ms. Contostavlos’ barrister, Jeremy Dein QC, denying that his purpose was to create a "sensational story".
"You misled her, didn't you?" Mr Dein asked.
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"You can't mislead somebody into supplying cocaine," Mr Mahmood replied.
Mr Dein went on to suggest that Mr Mahmood and his colleague, known as “Nish”, had spiked Contostavlos’ drink on 10 May 2013, when they met at the Metropolitan hotel in London.
"Absolutely outrageous," Mr Mahmood replied.
"You got her to incriminate herself," Mr Dein continued.
"I think that is nonsense," Mr Mahmood countered.
"This was only the beginning of your manipulation of Ms Contostavlos," Mr Dein went on, referencing Mr Mahmood’s meeting with Ms. Contostavlos in Las Vegas in March 2013.
"I disagree," the journalist replied.
Ms. Contostavlos, who is on trial for allegedly brokering a £820 sale of cocaine, shook her head as she sat in the glass-walled dock listening to Mahmood’s evidence.