Pop star’s secret 10-year hell revealed in court

A member of one of the world’s most successful girl groups endured a ten-year campaign of terror and abuse, a court has heard.

Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan was beaten by her footballer ex in a ten-year campaign of terror and abuse, a court heard.

Taiwo Leo Atieno is accused of grabbing the singer’s neck and punching her in the arm and back.

The 39-year-old, who played for Luton, also controlled what Keisha, 40, ate and blocked her from wearing red lipstick, it is said.

Atieno appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court in London charged with a string of offences.

He is accused of assaulting Keisha on three occasions – including one that left her needing physiotherapy treatment.

Sugababes girl group member Keisha Buchanan.

Her allegedly abusive ex, Taiwo Atieno. Picture: PA Images via Getty Images

Prosecutor Edward Kalber said: “This is a persistent campaign by the defendant against the complainant to harass her, control her, and cause her psychological and physical injury.”

The court was told Atieno allegedly carried out the offences over a ten-year period.

Keisha alleges he controlled her finances and use of the shower while they were living together.

The footballer is also accused of allowing her to only go the gym “at certain times” and blocking her from watching TV.

Taiwo Atieno and Keisha Buchanan were together for a decade.

When he was blocked from contacting the singer by a family court order, it is alleged Atieno still sent emails to her.

He is also accused of harassing Keisha over the course of three years with texts, emails, social media contact and a request for $50,000.

The court was told Atieno allegedly conducted a “campaign of terror and abuse against the complainant for over ten years.”

Atieno has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2015 and May 2018 and assault occasioning actual bodily harm between January 2012 and January 2015.

He is also accused of harassment between January 2021 and December last year and an alleged breach of a non-molestation order.

Keisha (left) with her Sugababes band members Mutya Buena and Siobhan Dohanghy. Picture: ISABEL INFANTES / AFP

His lawyer claims the pair first met in 2006 and began dating in 2011, and that the footballer also worked as her business manager.

Atieno was remanded into custody to next appear at Harrow Crown Court on June 5.

The Kenya international played for a string of teams – including Walsall, Tamworth, Luton Town, Stevenage, and Torquay United – before retiring in 2013.

Keisha was one of the original members of Sugababes alongside Mutya Buena and Siobhan Dohaghy.

She enjoyed solo success before reuniting with her former bandmates.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Pop star’s secret 10-year hell revealed in court