According to Aftonbladet, Måns Zelmerlöw is accused of misusing benefits by not informing the Swedish Social Insurance Agency that his children lived abroad. Prosecutor Nina Bengtsson stated that Zelmerlöw had a legal obligation to report the residence change, and as a result, he incorrectly received child allowance and large family supplement. Zelmerlöw has two children.
Zelmerlöw's lawyer said that the artist had no intention to steal money or commit fraud, and that when the matter came to light, he repaid all the money. Aftonbladet reports that the repayments were made between June and September 2025, totaling 10,600 SEK.
When the matter came to light, he repaid all the money.
Zelmerlöw himself stated that he was not aware he had received child benefits, and only realized when he received a letter from the insurance agency demanding repayment. He said that during a difficult divorce process, he wanted to isolate himself from the world and did not even check his bank account. According to press conference reports, Zelmerlöw said, 'I have never checked my bank account. So the idea that I would have intentionally tried to take money from the insurance agency is not true.' He denies intentionally trying to take money from the agency.
Expressen reported that in May 2025, a court decided it was better for Zelmerlöw's and his ex-wife Ciara Janson's children to live in the UK. The divorce process has been difficult for Zelmerlöw.
Separately, in May 2025, Ilta-Sanomat reported that Zelmerlöw is suspected of assaulting his ex-wife. Janson allegedly claimed that Zelmerlöw pushed her against a wall. Zelmerlöw strongly denied the assault allegations. After the divorce became public, Janson made serious allegations on social media, including claims of a hostile environment, drug use, mental and physical violence, and infidelity. The current status of these allegations remains unclear.