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: Ex-Employee Says Diddy Threatened to ‘Go Kill’ Kid Cudi May 28, 2025

Show notes

A former employee has testified that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs threatened to 'go kill' Kid Cudi after finding out about the rapper’s relationship with Cassie Ventura. Capricorn Clark, who was an assistant to both Diddy and Cassie, also said she had her life repeatedly threatened by Sean Combs. In testimony last week, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi alleged that Clark called him to say that her boss had broken into Mescudi’s home. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York correspondent, Nada Tawfik. 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

Diddy on Trial: Kid Cudi: ‘Porsche Destroyed by Molotov Cocktail’ May 23, 2025

Show notes

Rapper Kid Cudi has told the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs that his car was set on fire by a Molotov cocktail. He testified that it happened after Diddy found out about his relationship with Cassie Ventura.

Also giving evidence on Thursday, Cassie Ventura’s make-up artist and friend, along with Diddy’s former executive assistant.

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

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty rounds up the week’s evidence with the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik, plus legal analysis and your questions answered with 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 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: Expert Witness, Seized Items and Hotel Clean Ups May 22, 2025

Show notes

A warning, this episode contains references to domestic abuse and drugs. A Homeland Security agent gave further evidence on what was seized from Sean Combs’ Miami property during federal raids, including parts of a semi-automatic rifle, drugs including MDMA and ketamine, and lingerie, baby oil and high heels. Expert witness Dr Dawn Hughes testified as a clinical psychologist and outlined how trauma can affect memory and behaviour, stating that delayed PTSD and fragmented recall are common among abuse victims. George Kaplan, a former assistant at Combs Enterprises, told the court he was responsible for preparing hotel bags for Combs that included candles, baby oil and drugs, paid for with a corporate credit card. And anticipation builds for the testimony of musician Kid Cudi, once romantically linked to Cassie. He is expected to appear in court as one of five witnesses scheduled for tomorrow.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC's BBC’s 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 Journalist: Chrystal Genesis 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: Cassie’s Mum, ‘The Punisher’ and Gun Photos May 21, 2025

Show notes

A warning, this episode contains descriptions of violence and graphic descriptions of sex.

On Tuesday, Cassie’s mother Regina Ventura testified for the prosecution. She told the court that in 2011 she took out a loan to pay Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs $20,000, so he would not release explicit tapes of her daughter. He repaid the money shortly after.

Exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, known as ‘The Punisher’, testified that he was hired to perform for Diddy and singer Cassie Ventura between eight and twelve times.

Diddy’s former assistant David James told the court that Diddy was not aware of everything going on at his house.

Prosecutors showed evidence from the raids on Combs’ Miami home on Star Island, Florida. This included photos of loaded guns, bullets and sex toys.

Scott Mescudi, the rapper known as Kid Cudi, is expected to give evidence later this week.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC's 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 Defence Question ‘Inconsistencies’ in Dawn Richard’s Testimony May 20, 2025

Show notes

Three witnesses are called by the prosecution, as week two of Diddy’s trial begins.

A warning that this episode contains descriptions of violence.

Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard finished her testimony and was questioned by Diddy’s defence lawyers. During a cross-examination, Richard admitted to giving different versions of events.

Cassie Ventura's former best friend, Kerry Morgan, claimed she saw Diddy physically abuse Ventura several times.

David James, a personal assistant who worked for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs between 2007 and 2009 told the court that staff at Diddy’s Bad Boy Records viewed him as a ‘king’.

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: Cassie: ‘I’d Give Back $20M Settlement to Undo Freak-Offs’ May 16, 2025

Show notes

Lawyers for Sean 'Diddy' Combs have finished questioning Cassandra Ventura after asking her about text messages exchanged between the pair. The R&B singer says she would give back the $20m legal settlement she was paid the day after she accused Combs of rape and sex trafficking - if it meant never having done a "freak off". Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s Nada Tawfik about Cassie’s cross examination. A warning that this episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual violence, including rape and graphic descriptions of sex. 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 offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

Diddy on Trial: Cassie Asked About Explicit Texts to Diddy May 16, 2025

Show notes

Diddy’s defence team has tried to establish that the so-called ‘freak-offs’ - sexual encounters in which Cassie Ventura would have sex with male escorts while Diddy watched - may have been consensual. It’s been the first day of Cassie’s cross-examination by one of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers. Anna Estevao asked Ventura about the more loving side of the pair's time together, after she testified over the last two days about alleged violence and abuse.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s Madeline Halpert about Cassie’s cross examination and gets the latest legal analysis from criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent.

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

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.

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video 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: Cassie Claims Diddy Abused and Blackmailed Her May 15, 2025

Show notes

Cassie Ventura has claimed she was raped by Diddy at the end of her relationship with him.

The singer also told a New York court that she endured abuse at the hands of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs during the ‘freak-off’ sessions, and that videos of the episodes were later used as blackmail. Jurors in the case have watched videos of the sexual encounters with male escorts, which Cassie says Diddy demanded, paid for and recorded.

Cassie spoke about her relationship with musician Kid Cudi, saying that Diddy became violent when he found out about it.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all charges. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The trial continues on Thursday, where Cassie will be cross-examined by the defence.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court.

A warning that this episode contains mention of suicide, descriptions of violence, drug use, sexual violence, including rape and graphic descriptions of sex.

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 burning questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Diddy on Trial: Singer Cassie Testifies May 14, 2025

Show notes

The singer Cassie has been on the witness stand giving emotional and graphic testimony for most of the day. She is Diddy’s former partner and is testifying against him for the prosecution.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s Sakshi Venkatraman about the day in court.

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

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 burning questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Diddy on Trial: Jurors in Diddy Trial Shown Video of Cassie Assault May 13, 2025

Show notes

On the first day of Diddy’s trial, jurors have watched a video showing him assaulting his former long-time partner, the singer Cassie.

The prosecution’s first witness, a former hotel security guard, says he was called on the night the CCTV video was filmed to help a "woman in distress", where he found Cassie sitting in the corner covering her face.

Both the prosecution and defence gave their opening statements. The prosecution say Combs' behaviour was "coercive and criminal" and that he "had the power to ruin" his alleged victims’ lives. The defence argues that while Diddy might have engaged in domestic violence, he is innocent of the sex trafficking and prostitution charges at the heart of this case.

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual violence and graphic descriptions of sex.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is accused of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies the charges.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court.

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 burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1.

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Executive Producer: Neal Razzell Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video 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

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Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial

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