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.

Subscribe to Fame Under Fire on BBC Sounds and turn on push notifications so you never miss an episode. We’ll let you know as soon as new episodes are available.

Latest Episodes:

Diddy on Trial: Diddy’s Ex Tells Court She ‘Enjoyed Taking Care of Him’ Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

During the first day of cross-examination by Diddy’s defence lawyer, ‘Jane’ said she enjoyed taking care of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

His former partner is testifying under the pseudonym ‘Jane’ to protect her identity.

She told the court she would bathe him and fall asleep with him while watching television after ‘hotel nights’ where she would have sex with male entertainers as Combs watched. ‘Jane’ also testified that she still loved him.

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 Executive Producer: Nik Sindle 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: Diddy‘s Ex Testifies Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

The former partner of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has testified about wanting to stop having sex with other men, and told the court about their arguments.

‘Jane’, who is using a pseudonym to protect her identity, told the court they had both been physically violent and that Diddy ‘punched, kicked and dragged her’. ‘Jane’ will be cross-examined by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ defence team on Tuesday.

The judge also gave the government prosecutors a day to respond to a motion for a mistrial that Diddy’s legal team filed over the weekend, which alleged prosecutorial misconduct.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to CBS national news correspondent Jericka Duncan 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

Diddy on Trial: Diddy’s Former Girlfriend “Jane” Says He’s Still Paying Her Rent Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Jane - a pseudonym to protect her identity - tells the court Diddy is still paying her rent, even though she is a witness for the prosecution.

The jury hears she didn’t want to take part in the so called “hotel nights” when she had a period, and sent Diddy a picture of a used tampon to prove this. She says this upset Combs, who accused her of going back on her offer to have a hotel session.

Jane says she regularly suffered from pain and UTIs as a result of the ‘Hotel Nights’. She would usually take a lot of drugs, but on a couple of occasions she remained sober. One time she says she threw up after having sex with two men. She says Combs told her to carry on with a third man.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC 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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Senior Journalist: Charlotte McDonald 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 Threatens to Remove Diddy From Courtroom Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

The judge in the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has warned his lawyers that he may be removed from the courtroom, unless he stops trying to interact with the jury.

Judge Subramanian said that he had seen Diddy nodding towards jurors.

Meanwhile, one of Diddy’s former girlfriends, who is testifying under the pseudonym ‘Jane’, has started to give evidence. She told the court that they dated between 2021 and 2024.

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

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 Journalist: Chrystal Genesis 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: Bryana ‘Bana’ Bongolan Testifies About ‘Balcony Dangling’ by Diddy Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Bryana ‘Bana’ Bongolan has testified about being held over a balcony by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in 2016. She also told the court about her regular drug use with her friend Cassie Ventura. Ms Bongolan was questioned by Diddy’s defence lawyer about her memory of events.

Frank Piazza, a forensic audio and video editor, also gave evidence about the CCTV video which showed Diddy assault Cassie in a hotel in 2016. He told the court that the footage had not been altered.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik 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 Executive Producer: Louise Clarke 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: Security Officer Testifies Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Former hotel security officer Eddy Garcia has testified that he was given $100,000 after handing over CCTV video to Diddy, which showed the rapper attack Cassie Ventura in 2016.

Garcia also told the court that he signed a non-disclosure agreement, which declared the video was the only one that existed.

Also on Tuesday, Derek Ferguson, the former chief financial officer at Bad Boy Records testified about his time working for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. He told the court he never saw anyone commit acts of violence.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to Cheyenne Roundtree, senior investigative reporter at Rolling Stone magazine 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: Hotel Worker: Room Needed ‘Deep Cleaning’ After Diddy Stay Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

The cross-examination of Diddy’s former assistant has ended, with the woman using the pseudonym ‘Mia’ being asked about positive social media posts and messages she sent about Diddy.

Last week, ‘Mia’ told the court she was sexually assaulted and raped by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Plus, Beverley Hills hotel staff member Sylvia Oken has testified about the oil damage and deep cleaning of rooms needed after Diddy’s stays.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to CBS News national correspondent Jerika Duncan 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 Ex-Assistant Tells Court She ‘Hasn’t Lied to Anyone at All’ May 30, 2025

Show notes

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former employee, who has given evidence under the pseudonym ‘Mia’, has been questioned by Diddy’s defence lawyer.

In court on Thursday, ‘Mia’ told the court she had been raped and sexually assaulted by Diddy.

Today, defence lawyer Brian Steel suggested ‘Mia’ had made up sexual assault allegations. He questioned her about a scrapbook she had made for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs birthday, as well as videos and multiple Instagram posts she had made, which all painted Diddy in a glowing light.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court, as week three of the trial ends.

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 Executive Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith 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: Diddy’s Former Employee ‘Mia’ Testifies That He Raped Her May 30, 2025

Show notes

A former employee of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, testifying anonymously as ‘Mia’, alleges he sexually assaulted her ‘on more than one occasion’.

She also testified about feeling ‘terrified and trapped’ by Diddy.

‘Mia’ told the court that she was in charge of cleaning hotel rooms after ‘freak-offs’, describing them as ‘destroyed’.

A warning that this episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual violence and rape.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to Nada Tawfik, the BBC’s New York correspondent and criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent about the testimony from ‘Mia’ and the rest of 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 Executive Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis 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: Cassie’s Ex-Stylist May 28, 2025

Show notes

Cassie Ventura’s former stylist has testified that he witnessed Sean 'Diddy' Combs being violent towards his ex-girlfriend.

Deonte Nash told the court that he and Cassie hid 'too many times to count', because they didn’t want Combs to “attack” them.

Plus, the judge presiding over Diddy’s federal trial rejected his defence team's bid for a mistrial.

A warning that this episode contains descriptions of violence.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to Madeline Halpert, the BBC’s New York digital reporter 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 Executive Producer: Alys Harte 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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