Stewart has been charged with nine counts of fraud, perjury and obstruction of justice, but she says she is innocent. In her open letter, published in the newspaper and on her personal website, , she says: "I want you to know that I am innocent -- and that I will fight to clear my name."
According to her website: "In its first day, the site has logged more than 2 million hits, and more than 20,000 visitors have taken the time to send messages of support and encouragement."
Stewart has stepped down from her position as chairman and chief executive officer of Martha Stewart Omnimedia following the charges, although she retains her position as chief creative officer and board seat. The company publishes her magazine Martha Stewart Living as well as a number of related spin-off titles for Christmas and weddings.
Her company has become a multi-million dollar concern, built up around her image as a domestic goddess and role model for American women aspiring to a tasteful lifestyle.
The charges surround the sale of shares in ImClone, a company founded by her friend Sam Waksal. The US Securities and Exchange Commission says that she sold 3,928 shares in the company after being tipped off by Waksal that an experimental drug made by ImClone would not be approved.
Stewart argues that she had an agreement with her stockbroker, Peter Baconovic, to sell the shares if they fell below a certain point. Baconovic is also charged in the indictment for conspiring to cover up lies allegedly told by Stewart, for altering documents.
In the US, where Stewart is a household name thanks to her television appearances and merchandise sold in Kmart, pundits are tipping her trial to be the biggest since OJ Simpson was acquitted for murder in 1995.
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