Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan suffered ‘psychological and physical’ abuse at hands of ex-footballer in 10-year ordeal
Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan has accused former footballer Taiwo Leo Atieno of a decade-long “campaign of terror and abuse”, a court has heard.
Atieno, 39, who played for Kenya and Luton Town, was in a relationship with the founding band member between 2015 and 2018.
He faces charges of assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment, and breaching a court order banning him from contacting her.
Prosecutor Edward Kalber told Willesden Magistrates’ Court: “The offending is severe in its nature and has caused problems for the defendant, both psychological and physical.”
Buchanan alleges that Atieno assaulted her on three occasions, with two incidents occurring in the defendant’s bedroom and one in the front room.
The Push The Button singer accused Atieno of grabbing her around the neck, punching her in the arm and striking her on the back.
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One alleged attack left her experiencing a sharp pain in her lower back, which she described as feeling like a kick, having to undergo physiotherapy as a result of the alleged physical abuse.
Buchanan, 40, reported the incidents to police in December 2024, the court heard, with Atieno also allegedly controlling numerous aspects of her daily life during their relationship.
“The complainant states that while she lived with the defendant, she wasn’t allowed to open her own letters or sort out her finances,” Kalber continued to the court.
Buchanan reportedly had to ask for money whenever she wanted it, with the prosecutor adding that Atieno’s controlling behaviour extended to her diet and appearance.
The footballer allegedly dictated what she was allowed to eat, which the court heard “fed into her dietary issues.”
“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,” Kalber said.
The singer claims Atieno controlled when she could use the shower while they were living together and alleged, she was only allowed to use the gym “at certain times”, according to court testimony.
Buchanan further alleges that Atieno controlled what she was allowed to watch on television and when.
Following their breakup, Atieno allegedly continued to harass Buchanan despite being blocked from contacting her.
The court heard he sent her emails over a three-year period in breach of a court order and also contacted the singer demanding £25,000.
“This defendant has conducted a campaign of terror and abuse against this complainant for over 10 years. The Crown strongly opposes the defendant’s bail,” Kalber told the court.
Atieno appeared in the dock wearing cream trousers and a blue top, and indicated not guilty pleas to all four charges made against him.
The defence claimed Atieno worked as Buchanan’s business manager but never took over her bank accounts.