More about: Simon Cowell
Both the X Factor judge and Paul McCartney's ex have denied all claims of tax evasion
The Panama Papers leak have identified many celebrities and politicians - the latest include Simon Cowell, and Heather Mills.
The leak has named many as shareholders in companies based in the British Virgin Islands, which is known for being a tax haven.
Now, The Guardian reports that Cowell is a sole shareholder of two companies that were both founded in 2007. Southstreet Limited was set up in February 2007, whilst the other company, Eaststreet Limited, was set up in October 2007.
It is believed that both companies were set up when Cowell was looking at purchasing two plots of land in Barbados where he regularly holidays. The building project has since then falling into disarray and both companies have become completely dormant.
A spokesman for the X Factor judge said: “"The companies were set up, not by my client, but by accountants acting for him as a common means for an overseas investor to purchase property in Barbados.
"My client, however, preferred to purchase them transparently in his own name. Therefore, the companies were never used for anything at all. I can also confirm on behalf of my client that he has not used any offshore companies for any purpose whatsoever."
Cowell has, in the past, claimed to pay all of his taxes by saying, “Whenever I got knocked for what I do, I always say, well I do pay my taxes, and it helps, and I’m quite proud of that, here and all over the world."
Paul McCartney’s ex, Heather Mills, has also been identified as the owner of 100 shares in a company based on the British Virgin Islands. Mills has said in an email, “"I can say hand on heart I am a straight taxpayer and you will never find anything on me if you investigate thoroughly."
2004 winner Steve Brookstein
Brookstein was dropped by SonyBMG and wrote a book about his ill treatment at the hands of Simon Cowell and the show. He continues to pick fights with fairly tasteless comments on Twitter.
2005 winner Shayne Ward
Ward was dropped by Syco in 2011, but went on to appear in Dancing on Ice and Coronation Street....
2006 winner Leona Lewis
Lewis is the most well-known of the former winners. She's topped the charts, sells out arenas, recorded the theme song for Avatar and went on many, many world tours. She's very rich, and her cover of Snow Patrol has largely eclipsed the original. Good for her.
2007 winner Leon Jackson
Syco dropped Jackson, and he was voted the second biggest reality TV flop, second only to Brookstein. Impressive.
2008 winner Alexandra Burke
Burke bagged a £3.5m, five-album US deal with Epic records. Safe to say, she's doing alright for herself.
2009 winner Joe McElderry
McElderry split with Syco mutually, and has since won Popstar to Opera in 2011 and The Jump in 2014. The charts may not love him, but mums certainly do.
2010 winner Matt Cardle
Cardle still records and tours, but his success pales in comparison third-place act One Direction
2011 winner Little Mix
Little Mix are still going strong, having sold over 5 million singles and 2.5 million albums worldwide. They're one of the UK's biggest pop exports, and a guilty pleasure.
2012 winner James Arthur
Arthur was unceremoniously dropped from Syco in 2014, but continues to perform live - despite a run of bizarre headlines a made with controversial, allegedly homophobic comments and some stuff about whales - oh and some creepy sex stories.
2013 winner Sam Bailey
Bailey released an autobiography, but was dropped by Syco earlier this year. It was written in the stars.
2014 winner Ben Haenow
It's too early to tell about Haenow. He was signed by Syco and has spent time in Los Angeles recording his debut album - his singles have got some decent airplay, but can he survive?
2015 winner Louisa Johnson
More about: Simon Cowell
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