Martha Stewart bemoans "saddest holiday ever"

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2003

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Style icon Martha Stewart has bemoaned her legal troubles and upcoming trial for an insider trading scandal in a rare television interview.

"It's the saddest holiday ever. It's an unwelcome time for me, very unwelcome," Stewart told CNN television.

Stewart could face as much as 30 years in prison if convicted of charges against her of securities fraud, obstruction of justice, making false statements and lying to the FBI. The criminal trial gets underway on January 12.

She said the legal ordeal has taken a great personal toll in an interview on the Larry King Live program to be shown Monday. CNN released excerpts on Sunday.

"No one is ever prepared for such a thing ... And no one is ever strong enough for such a thing," she said....