British singer Keisha Buchanan is speaking out about what she describes as a harrowing decade-long relationship filled with abuse, control, and psychological torment.
The 40-year-old Sugababes star accused her former partner, retired footballer Taiwo Leo Atieno, of subjecting her to years of coercive and controlling behavior — including allegedly dictating when she could shower, eat, watch television, and even what makeup she could wear.
During a hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on May 8, prosecutors laid out a disturbing timeline of alleged abuse. According to UK outlets The Standard and Metro, Atieno — a former Kenya international and Luton Town player — reportedly banned Buchanan from wearing red lipstick, saying it made her look “trashy” and like a “prostitute.” He’s also accused of controlling her finances and demanding the equivalent of $33,000 from her.
The pair began dating in 2011 after meeting in 2006. The alleged abuse spanned from 2015 to 2018, but Buchanan claims the torment didn’t stop there. Prosecutors say Atieno violated a court order and continued harassing her for three more years after their breakup — sending emails, texts, and reaching out on social media despite being legally banned from contact.
Buchanan, who went to police in December 2023, reportedly described the ordeal as a “campaign of terror and abuse.” She claimed she wasn’t allowed to open her own mail or manage her money — instead, she had to ask Atieno for cash. The emotional toll allegedly spiraled into dietary issues and even physical harm, with Buchanan needing physiotherapy after reportedly being assaulted multiple times.
Atieno, 39, is now facing four serious charges: controlling and coercive behavior (2015–2018), assault occasioning actual bodily harm (2012–2015), harassment (2021–2023), and breaching a non-molestation order. Despite the claims, he entered not guilty pleas to all charges. His attorney insisted he was simply her business manager and denied any wrongdoing.
“This is absolutely misleading,” his lawyer said in court, claiming Buchanan never had to ask him for money and stating Atieno does not intend to flee or reoffend.
Still, the judge remanded Atieno into custody, and the case will continue at Harrow Crown Court on June 5.
Buchanan rose to fame as one of the founding members of the Sugababes alongside Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy. The group enjoyed early 2000s chart success with hits like “Round Round” and “Push the Button.” Though they disbanded in 2011, the original trio recently reunited and performed at Glastonbury in 2024.
The Sugababes have not publicly commented on the case.
