Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan’s footballer ex-partner allegedly waged a ten-year ‘campaign of terror and abuse’ against her.
A court heard about the allegations against Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, which include beating her and banning her from wearing red lipstick, among other instances of coercion.
Taiwo, who played football for Kenya and Luton Town, is alleged to have grabbed the 40-year-old around the neck, punched her on the arm and struck her on the back during three assaults.
Keisha has also alleged financial abuse, with Taiwo supposedly controlling her money, her daily life – including when she could shower or go to the gym – her eating habits and what she could watch on TV and when.
The pair first got together in 2011 and the alleged abuse took place between 2015 and 2018.
The charges also claim he ‘did not allow her to wear red lipstick’ andallegedly also contacted the singer demanding £25,000, the court heard.
He has also been accused of harassing the star after their relationship and alleged breaches of a court order banning him from contacting her.
Prosecutor Edward Kalber told Willesden Magistrates’ Court today: ‘The offending is severe in its nature and has caused […] problems for the defendant, both psychological and physical.
‘The complainant states that while she lived with the defendant she wasn’t allowed to open her own letters or sort out her finances.
‘The complainant would have to ask for money whenever she wanted it.
‘The defendant would get annoyed if the complainant wore red lipstick. He berated her and called her trashy, and told her she looked like a prostitute whenever she wore this.’
Mr Kalber added: ‘This then fed into her dietary issues, due to the defendant controlling what she was allowed to eat.’
Taiwo allegedly carried out three assaults on Keisha, two in the defendant’s bedroom and one in the front room.
The singer had to undergo physiotherapy as a result of the physical abuse, it is alleged.
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After being blocked from contacting her in any way by court order, the footballer allegedly continued to contact his ex and is accused of harassment over the course of three years.
The news of the court case comes as SugaBabes goes back on tour.
The superstar trio, comprised of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena, and Siobhan Donaghy, have had a run of acclaimed festival slots – including a widely celebrated set at Glastonbury 2024.
After years of line-up changes – and a protracted legal battle over the Sugababes name – the original girls are finally back together on their first proper UK arena tour.
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