Saatchi "bereft"

[LornMowa]

I have never ventured into pedant's corner before but I thought someone here could advise whether "bereft" is quite the right word to use in the context.

"Saatchi 'bereft' that email accusing Nigella Lawson of drug use went public."

see here

I'm pretty sure he meant something more like "devastated" or "distraught" if you can believe an advertising man.

I agree. How can he be 'bereft'. Doesn't really make sense in that context. My immediate reaction was that he should have used distraught.

I reckon "quietly gratified" is probably closer to the truth.

In general one should be bereft of something.

at BOF