Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial

Fame Under Fire is at Southwark Crown Court for the trial of comedian, actor and broadcaster Russell Brand.

Brand faces seven sexual offence charges involving six women: three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. The alleged offences date from 1999 to 2009.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Under UK court reporting rules, cameras and recording device are not allowed inside the courtroom. For Fame Under Fire, Russell Brand on Trial, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty will take you inside the case another way. Every day we’ll bring you updates on what the jury hears, with expert analysis of what is happening and the law behind the case.

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Latest Episodes:

Diddy on Trial: Prosecutor Tells Jury It Is Time for Diddy to Face Justice Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

The lawyers for the prosecution have told the jury that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is the ‘leader of a criminal enterprise’ who used violence and fear in ‘brutal crimes’.

At the end of the prosecution’s closing arguments, Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik said to jurors that it was time to hold Diddy accountable and for him to face justice.

On Friday, the defence will present their closing arguments to the jury.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court, plus criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent analyses the cases put forward by both sides in the trial.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital and Exec Producer: Matthew Pintus Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine and Tammy Snow Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: Diddy Thanks Judge and Says He Won’t Testify Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has told the judge that he will not testify in his trial.

Diddy thanked Judge Subramanian and said he had made the decision himself not to take the stand. His defence team argued that prosecutors had failed to prove his alleged crimes. They presented and rested their case in under thirty mins.

Both the prosecution and defence are expected to make closing arguments towards the end of the week.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York digital reporter Sakshi Venkatraman about the day in court.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Executive Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: Silence in Court as Jurors View Explicit Videos Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Jurors have been watching explicit videos in court, with headphones on, as part of the prosecution’s final few days of evidence.

They were also shown explicit text messages between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, former partner ‘Jane’, sex workers and Diddy’s former chief of staff Kristina Khorram.

Joseph Cerciello, a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, continued his testimony and was cross examined by Diddy’s defence lawyer Teny Geragos.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York digital reporter Sakshi Venkatraman about the day in court.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Diddy on Trial: Diddy’s Former Assistant Takes the Stand Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Brendan Paul, who worked for Diddy as his personal assistant for two years, gave evidence. He said he worked 80-100 hours a week and he learnt a lot from his former boss, but now his feelings towards Diddy are 'complicated'.

Joseph Cerciello, a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, started his testimony. He's been reviewing thousands of pages of text messages, as well as phones and financial records.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to NPR's music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Producer: Uma Doraiswamy Sound Design: Mark Burrows Executive Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: Judge Cancels Court Day Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty gets the latest on the case from BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik and expert analysis with criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent.

Court is cancelled on Wednesday because of a juror who has called in sick, delaying the prosecution’s end of evidence. Thursday is a public holiday in the US, so the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will resume on Friday.

In the past few days, another juror has been dismissed, lawyers have been told off by the judge after confidential discussions were leaked. Plus more text messages have been shown to jurors between Diddy and Cassie Ventura.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Senior Digital Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Digital Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: Judge Reprimands Lawyers After Information Leak Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Judge Subramanian has reprimanded prosecution and defence lawyers after confidential information was leaked. Sealed proceedings are not supposed to ever be released to the public.

Meanwhile DeLeassa Penland, a special agent with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, has continued her evidence. The jury has been shown more text messages between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and former partner Cassie Ventura.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to Katrina Kaufman, CBS law and politics reporter.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: Juror Sent Home Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

It’s week six of Diddy’s trial and juror number six has been dismissed. Judge Subramanian said they had given inconsistent answers about their home address. An alternate juror has replaced them.

Plus more phone recordings and text messages between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram have been shown to the jury.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to NPR music reporter Isabella Gomes-Sarmiento.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Diddy on Trial: Diddy on Trial - Kanye West surprise visit and judge considers dismissing juror Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Rapper Kanye or Ye West paid a visit the courthouse today to support Diddy. He stayed for 40 minutes to watch proceedings.

The judge is considering whether to dismiss one of the jurors after the prosecution called for their removal. The juror gave inconsistent answers about where they live. But while the prosecution has been asking for their dismissal, the defence team want him to stay.

Jonathan Perez, a former personal assistant to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, gave evidence about his interactions with ‘Jane’, Diddy’s former girlfriend.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Senior Producer: Charlotte McDonald Exec Producer: Tara McDermott Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: ‘Jane’ Tells Court of Sex Night With Different Famous Rapper Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

The former partner of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has finished her fifth and final day of testimony at his trial. ‘Jane’, who is using a pseudonym to protect her identity, was cross-examined by Diddy’s defence and asked more questions by the prosecution. She also told the court about a sex night in Las Vegas with another famous rapper and his girlfriend.

She testified about ‘hotel nights’, Diddy paying her rent and lavish birthday parties, telling the court that she would have given all the gifts back if ‘she didn’t have to have sex with men other than Diddy’. The defence asked ‘Jane’ about the thousands of dollars she received from Diddy during their relationship, in addition to her rent.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik and criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent about the week in court.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Senior Producer: Kizzy Cox Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: ‘Jane’ Questioned Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Defence lawyer Teny Geragos continued her cross-examination of ‘Jane’ with more focus the messages between her and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. ‘Jane’ is the pseudonym being used to protect the identity of Diddy’s ex-partner.

She was asked about messages which suggest she was planning ‘hotel nights’ for her and Diddy, along with other men. Photos were also shown to the jury of ‘Jane’ and Diddy spending time together.

Meanwhile the prosecution has asked for one of the jury members to be dismissed.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to NPR music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento about the day in court.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

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