Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan’s footballer ex-partner has been accused of a ten-year campaign of physical abuse, harassment, control and coercion over the popstar including banning her from wearing red lipstick, a court heard today.
Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, who played for Kenya and Luton Town, is alleged to have grabbed the 40-year-old around the neck, punched her on the arm and the back during three alleged assaults.
She claims that he controlled her finances and 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.
Atieno began a relationship with the founding Sugababe in 2011. The alleged abuse took place between 2015 and 2018 including a diktat that he ‘did not allow her to wear red lipstick’, the charges say. He allegedly also contacted the singer demanding £25,000, the court heard.
One assault allegedly saw Ms Buchanan experience a sharp pain in her lower back, which she described as feeling like a kick.
He is also alleged to have controlled her letters and finances, as well as how she presented herself and what she was allowed to eat.
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 singer, pictured here at the O2 Arena in London last night to watch Usher, was allegedly stopped from wearing red lipstick by Taiwo Leo Atieno
They were together for seven years having got together in 2011. The relationship ended in 2018 after three years of alleged abuse
Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan, pictured here performing in 2004, was allegedly beaten and harassed by her ex partner
‘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.’
Atieno allegedly carried out three assaults on Ms Buchanan, two in the defendant’s bedroom and one in the front room.
One assault allegedly saw Ms Buchanan experience a sharp pain in her lower back, which she described as feeling like a kick. The singer had to undergo physiotherapy as a result of the abuse, it is alleged.
The singer claims Atieno controlled her use of the shower while they were living together and only allowed her to use the gym ‘at certain times’, the court heard.
After being blocked from contacting her in any way, the footballer allegedly sent Ms Buchanan emails, and is accused of harassment over the course of three years.
Keisha Buchanan pictured centre with fellow Sugababes founders Mutya Buena (left) and Siobhan Donaghy (right) at the BRIT Awards 2025
Ms Buchanan pictured performing as part of Sugababes at T in the Park in 2003
Atieno, of Kennington, southwest London, is currently in custody.
The case is due to be dealt with this afternoon by Deputy District Judge Clare Boichot.
Ms Buchanan was one of three singers to found the Sugababes alongside Mutya Buena and Siobhan Dohaghy.
The band, which split up in 2011, achieved songs at the top of the charts including Push the Button and Round Round.
