Photo: Press
Gary Barlow has claimed that fans of Take That are simply "not interested" in his controversial tax avoidance affairs.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, the singer attempted to play down the importance of his involvement in a huge tax-avoidance scheme. He then attempted to shut down the line of questioning as quickly as possible, citing legal issues preventing him from revealing anymore.
"Our fans, they want to buy our records and watch our tours - they’re not interested," claimed Barlow. "We can’t talk about it. And to be honest, I don’t want to talk about it. It’s actually a private thing."
Back in July, Barlow was among a number of musicians and celebrities who have been named as being part of a controversial tax avoidance scheme, according to reports. A secret database leaked to The Times newspaper revealed around 1,600 people who tried to shelter £1.2billion through an 'aggressive tax avoidance scheme' known as the 'Liberty' tax strategy - including Arctic Monkeys and George Michael.
The star spoke about the story after breaking his Twitter silence that lasted several months. He apologised and said that he and a new team of accountants were 'working to settle things'. Unfortunately, he also revealed that new Take That music was on the way:
Hey everyone ! I'm back from 7 productive weeks in the US and I'm back on twitter !
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) September 2, 2014
I've had a break from twitter after someone hacked my account and some very upsetting and disturbing text was written
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) September 2, 2014
Over the Summer I've remembered that I have so many supporters, friends and fans on here so why let 1 person ruin all the fun
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) September 2, 2014
I want to apologise to anyone who was offended by the tax stories earlier this year.
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) September 2, 2014
With a new team of accountants we are working to settle things with all parties involved ASAP
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) September 2, 2014
Listen to Take That's new single 'These Days' below
Meanwhile, the band have begun operating as a trio following the departure of Jason Orange, ironically the only member not involved in the scheme. Subsequently, they have announced their new album III, which is due out 1 December, just in time for the Christmas rush.
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