An unlikely name has cropped up in the controversial world of offshore wealth, as Emma Watson is discovered among those in the Panama Papers leak. Before we jump to any conclusions though, this doesn't mean that she's been avoiding paying her taxes. Not all offshore account holders are criminals after all.

Emma WatsonEmma Watson is latest name in Panama Papers leak

Offshore accounts have a seriously bad rep due to their usage in fraud, tax evasion and even drug trafficking. But they are still legal for a reason. The 'Harry Potter' star is listed as the beneficiary of a Mossack Fonseca offshore holding company called Falling Leaves Ltd. which is based in the British Virgin Islands. 

A spokesperson has responded to the claims reported by The Spectator, insisting that her involvement in the offshore holdings scheme was purely a matter of personal privacy. 'Emma (like many high-profile individuals) set up an offshore company for the sole purpose of protecting her anonymity and safety', a representative told the publication. 'UK companies are required to publicly publish details of their shareholders and therefore do not give her the necessary anonymity required to protect her personal safety, which has been jeopardised in the past owing to such information being publicly available. Offshore companies do not publish these shareholder details.'

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They went on to stress that the actress gets 'absolutely no tax or monetary advantages' from the company. The situation is mainly made controversial by the fact that Emma Watson has such a whiter-than-white celebrity image; a child actress with an astounding education who keeps her private life private, enjoys reading and yoga and is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador who represents feminism and equality. She's never come close to a scandal before.

Further names listed in the Panama Papers date leak include music mogul record label boss David Geffen, TV talent judge Simon Cowell, former Black-Eyed Peas singer Fergie, footballer Lionel Messi and U2's Bono.