Take That is not an act well known to American audiences, but some big headlines might result in some more headlines. Albeit these headlines are more likely to occur in The Economist than Rolling Stone: Vocalist Gary Barlow and fellow Take That members Howard Donald and Mark Owen have been convicted of tax avoidance.
The Take That members invested a reported £26 million in an "icebreaker" scheme that serves as an investment program that offers a tax shelter for wealthy individuals. More than 1,100 individuals have been charged recently for similar operations, although the plans aren't technically illegal (the difference between "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion" is the legality of the scheme). A judge ruled Saturday that the members of Take That knowingly joined the icebreaker to avoid taxes.
The courts will go after the convicted for the taxes owed, but the debate raging around Take That at the moment is how it will affect the band's reputation. Barlow for one received the title of Officer of Order of The British Empire for his work in music and charity, and some have suggested the honor be taken back. Fortunately for the vocalist, he has some big names arguing that he should keep his OBE: Prime Minister David Cameron for one.
"I don't think that's necessary frankly," Cameron said. "Gary Barlow has done a huge amount for the country... He's raised money for charity, he's done very well for Children in Need so I'm not sure [he should be stripped of] his OBE in respect of the work he has done."
The charity bit was forgotten by Lily Allen, who was already in a bad mood from her current bout of food poisoning. She offered Barlow and others a toast of vomit for their crimes.
"I dedicate my next sick to to you lot. #taxdodging," she tweeted. "whatever @GaryBarlow."
Let it be noted that Take That members Jason Orange and Robbie Williams were not involved in the tax avoidance.
