A court has heard how Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan was left needing physiotherapy after her footballer ex-boyfriend had allegedly beaten her during their relationship
Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan was allegedly beaten by her ex-boyfriend, which left her needing medical help. The Jungle songstress dated former Kenya and Luton Town player Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, between 2015 and 2018. But Atieno is accused of a “course of conduct over a ten-year period” towards Keisha, who went to the police in December 2024.
It was during this time that Buchanan, 40, had reunited with her former bandmates, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy, as the band fought to regain control of the name. But a court has heard that while Keisha remained in the public eye, she was secretly suffering during an abusive relationship.
Atieno is said to have assaulted her on three occasions, one so severely that it left her requiring physiotherapy treatment. One incident saw Keisha suffer a sharp pain to her lower back – which she described as feeling as though she had been kicked.
The footballer is also accused of controlling her letters, her finances, what the singer ate and how she presented herself to people outside of the home. He also stands accused of harassing her after she called off their relationship and breached a court order which was put in place to prevent him from contacting her.
During a hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Prosecutor Edward Kalber said: “The offending is severe in its nature and has caused problems for the defendant, both psychological and physical.”
He added: “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.” It was later heard that Atieno would get frustrated if Keisha wore certain things. Kalber continued: “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.
“This then fed into her dietary issues, due to the defendant controlling what she was allowed to eat.” The footballer is also accused of not allowing Keisha to watch TV.
Two alleged assaults on Keisha took place in the defendant’s bedroom, with another taking place in the front room of the property. He allegedly grabbed her around the neck, punched her on the arm and then struck her back.
One alleged attack left her experiencing a sharp pain which felt like a kick to her lower back, and she later required physiotherapy due to the alleged incident. Keisha also claims that Atieno controlled her use of the shower while the pair were living together and she was only allowed to go to the gym at “certain times”.
Despite Keisha blocking Atieno after they split, it’s claimed he later sent her emails and is accused of harassment over the course of three years. He also allegedly demanded £25,000 from the musician.
Currently, the footballer of Kennington, southwest London, is being remanded in custody. He appeared in the dock on Thursday, wearing cream trousers and a blue top. He indicated not guilty pleas to all four charges made against him.
The case is due to be dealt with later this afternoon by Deputy District Judge Clare Boichot.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
