Being in the spotlight often brings both the highs of fame and the challenges of private life.
For Keisha Buchanan, the original voice behind the Sugababes’ biggest hits, her personal life became the focus recently—not for music, but for serious allegations involving her ex-boyfriend, Taiwo Leo Atieno.
This former professional footballer is now facing court over claims he controlled and abused her during their relationship.
The Court Appearance and Bail Conditions for Taiwo Leo Atieno
Atieno, 39, who once played for Luton Town and even represented Kenya’s national team, appeared before a judge recently ahead of a trial scheduled for April next year.
The charges allege that from 2015 to 2018, he repeatedly harassed and physically assaulted Keisha, while tightly controlling many aspects of her daily life.
The judge allowed Atieno bail but under very strict terms.
He must hand over his passport, stay at his home address, and follow a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am monitored by GPS.
He also cannot leave England and Wales or have any contact with Keisha—no calls, emails, or social media interactions.
A £10,000 surety was provided by a longtime friend, and Atieno must stay out of a designated area in Barnet, London.
Allegations of Abuse and Control Paint a Dark Picture
The singer, now 40, told police that Atieno’s controlling behavior extended beyond physical abuse.
Prosecutors described the relationship as “oppressive and controlling.”
She said he dictated everything—from what she ate to when she could shower, even banning her from wearing red lipstick because he criticized her appearance harshly, calling her “trashy” and likening her to a prostitute for wearing it.
One incident allegedly left Keisha with such a bad back injury she needed physiotherapy, while others reportedly involved verbal and emotional abuse inside their home.
Despite their relationship ending, the court heard that Atieno continued to harass her for years, breaking court orders and demanding money.
A Long History Together with a Troubling Ending
Keisha and Atieno first met back in 2006 and started dating in 2011.
The Sugababes star has been in the public eye since the early 2000s, when the girl group had major hits like “Push The Button” and “Round Round.”
Though the group disbanded in 2011, they later reunited, but Keisha’s personal life has recently taken a troubling turn.
Atieno has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the court is set to hear a full trial next year.
For now, he remains under strict bail conditions as this difficult chapter unfolds.