Emma Watson, is reportedly the latest celeb to be named in the Panama Papers scandal. The star allegedly used an offshore tax company in order to pay for her exquisite £2.8 million home in London, in 2013. Dun dun dunnnnnnn!
If like myself you’re still fuzzy on what the Panama Papers are exactly, Features Editor Vicky Spratt eloquently explains it, here. Essentially as Vicky explains, 'They are leaked files from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonesca which reveal how the world’s wealthiest and most powerful people exploit offshore tax regimes to hide their money. 11 million documents have been leaked showing how money is moved around the world to offshore tax havens in places like Switzerland, Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands and even Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.' With on average 11 million documents having been leaked, the Panama Papers is frequently referred to as being the biggest leak in history. The list is seemingly endless and includes industry leaders, celebrities and politicians all being recorded as a part of the unscrupulous list, using offshore accounts to purchase property.
This weeks recent leak, in which a further 214,000 offshore accounts were revealed and then published by the ICIJ, Watson was reportedly revealed as the sole shareholder of the offshore company 'Falling Leaves'. Though not technically illegal, Emma, 26, the most recent celeb to be named in the scandalous leak, had a representative come forward to confirm that the actress had indeed set up an offshore company, however did not receive any tax or financial compensation off the back of it. Emma’s representative also released this statement: 'Emma (like many high profile individuals) set up an offshore company for the sole purpose of protecting her anonymity and safety.'
Of course the internet has responded as it does best: with memes:
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.