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:

Jason Derulo: Sexual Allegations and Goat Sacrifice Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

A singer who claims platinum-selling artist Jason Derulo sabotaged her career after she denied his sexual advances has refiled her lawsuit against him. Emaza Gibson first sued Derulo and Atlantic Records in October 2023 in Los Angeles but the original case was dismissed last year after a California judge determined her contracts contained clauses requiring any legal disputes to be heard in New York. The new 49-page lawsuit has been refiled in New York. It includes an allegation that Derulo told her she would be required to take part in a sex ritual called "goat skin and fish scales" - which involved sacrificing a goat and taking cocaine. He has denied the allegations and said he is “deeply offended by the defamatory claims”. Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent consider the case and discuss how crucial the plaintiff’s credibility will be. Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Diddy Sentenced Oct 04, 2025

Show notes

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been sentenced to more than four years in prison on prostitution charges.

He was convicted of flying girlfriends and male sex workers across the US for sexual encounters which he called “freak offs”. He was cleared of the more serious counts of sex trafficking and racketeering.

In addition to the prison time, Judge Arun Subramanian also imposed a $500,000 fine. He told Combs he used his power to subjugate and abuse two women. "This is the reality of what happened," he said.

Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty from the Diddy on Trial podcast brings you all the news from inside the courtroom with New York reporter Nada Tawfik.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Message us at 0330 123 555 1. 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.

Cassie Ventura: I Still Have Diddy Nightmares Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Cassie Ventura has said she is worried for her family’s safety ahead of Sean “Diddy” Combs sentencing this week.

"I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up,” the R&B singer, who is Combs' ex-girlfriend, wrote in a victim impact statement to the judge.

Combs was found guilty in July of transportation for prostitution of Ms Ventura and another ex-girlfriend "Jane", but was cleared on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

Prosecutors have recommended 11 years, while the defence seeks 14 months, which including time served would mean an almost immediate release. His attorneys say he has changed his ways while being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Presenter Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty look ahead to the sentencing with BBC reporter Sakshi Venkatraman and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent.

Plus, another update in the legal battle between right-wing influencer Candace Owens and the Macrons.

The French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are suing Owens for defamation. She has repeatedly told her millions of followers that Brigitte was born a man.

Now Owens’ team are accusing the Macrons of breaking US federal law by hiring investigators, publicists and others to work on their behalf in the United States without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Passed in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda, this law says, if you’re working in the US on behalf of a foreign government, you have to inform the US government what you’re doing.

Anoushka and Shaun consider the strategy behind this move and discuss whether it will affect the lawsuit.

Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Candace Owens Hits Out at The Macrons Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Candace Owens claims she is being “hounded” by the media to distract her from investigating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The right-wing influencer was responding to Fame Under Fire’s exclusive story last week that Brigitte Macron is planning to present “scientific evidence” in the Macrons’ lawsuit against Owens.

The French president and his wife are suing the podcaster for defamation including over her allegation that Brigitte Macron was born a biological man.

Last week, the Macrons’ lawyer Tom Clare told Fame Under Fire how they plan to support the case with scientific and photographic evidence.

On her podcast, Candace Owens told her followers: “I don't know what this is, just like we're just gonna all hound Candace to try to distract her from looking into Charlie Kirk's murder and assassination.”

In a statement to Fame Under Fire, she added: “Brigitte's claim that she will offer scientific evidence regarding her gender in court is an obvious and pathetic public relations ploy.”

Presenter Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty unpacks Owens’ response with resident trial attorney Shaun Kent and looks at why the location of the lawsuit is so important.

Plus, could Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs walk free? The hip hop megastar is due to be sentenced on 3 October after being convicted for two counts of transportation for prostitution.

Anoushka and Shaun look at his glowing character reference from rapper Yung Miami and assess how the sentencing hearing may play out.

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

The Macrons v Candace Owens Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are planning to present photographic and scientific evidence in their US lawsuit to prove Mrs Macron is a woman.

The French president and Mrs Macron will present the documentation in a defamation suit they have taken against the right-wing influencer Candace Owens after she promoted a theory that Brigitte Macron was born male.

Ms Owens’ lawyers have responded with a motion to dismiss the claim.

Speaking to the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast, the Macrons’ lawyer in the case, Tom Clare, said Mrs Macron had found the claims “incredibly upsetting” and they were a “distraction” to the French president.

“I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he's not immune from that because he's the president of country,” he said.

Owens’ lawyers have responded with a motion to dismiss, arguing that the case was filed in Delaware, where her businesses are incorporated, rather than in Tennessee, where she lives. They claim forcing her to defend the case in Delaware would cause “substantial financial and operational hardship”.

The BBC has approached Candace Owen’s legal team for a comment. She has previously said she believes what she is saying is true and there is nothing more American than free speech, the ability to criticise.

Priscilla Denies Claim She “Pushed Elvis to His Death” Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty examines the $50m lawsuit which calls Priscilla Presley “a pit viper willing to prey on her own family”. The case, brought by Priscilla’s former business partners Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko against the 80-year-old star, includes accusations of fraud in the inducement, breach of contract, misappropriation of name and likeness, and intentional interference with contracts and business opportunities. They allege Priscilla placed financial pressure on Elvis in his final months — pushing him to his death. She has rejected the accusations as “untrue and deeply hurtful.” The dispute follows an earlier lawsuit in which Priscilla accused Kruse and Fialko of financial elder abuse, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty – all of which they deny. Anoushka sits down with trial attorney Shaun Kent to discuss the legal battle and why headline-grabbing allegations are becoming increasingly common in litigation. Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Taylor and Travis: The Billion-Dollar Prenup Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

How could Taylor Swift protect her assets - and her cats? Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident attorney Shaun Kent consider what prenup between the billionaire superstar and her millionaire fiance, Travis Kelce, might look like. Plus, celebrity wedding planner Sarah Haywood explains how NDAs and no-fly zones could keep their big day a private affair. Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Blake v Justin: Sexual Allegations and Talking to the Dead Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident attorney Shaun Kent unpack the months-long legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

Lively is suing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others involved in the production of the movie It Ends With Us.

Her allegations include sexual harassment, retaliation, and defamation.

All the claims are denied. Lawyer Bryan Freedman, who is representing all the defendants, called them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious".

Plus, intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien answers those questions you’ve always secretly wondered about sex on set: What happens if an actor gets an erection? How do directors cope with menstruation? And more!

Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

‘Free Wendy’ ‘Free Britney’: The Truth Behind Conservatorships Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

What’s a guardianship? As media personality Wendy Williams fights hers, we ask criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent how guardianships, also known as conservatorships, like those faced by Williams and Britney Spears work.

Plus, when does a rap battle turn into a legal fight? The latest on the Drake lawsuit about Kendrick Lamar song ‘Not Like Us’. It was filed against Universal Music Group who said ‘Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist - let alone Drake - is illogical’.

Anoushka speaks to Mark Anthony Neal, professor of African and African American Studies at Duke University in North Carolina. Plus Shaun explains how legally risky a song can be.

Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Producer: Vicky Farncombe Producer: Megan Jones Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Prince Andrew and Epstein: The Latest Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

The Duke of York ‘should face further investigation’. That’s according to author Andrew Lownie, who speaks to Anoushka about his biography of Prince Andrew.

We learn more about the so-called "playboy prince" who was often spotted at celebrity nightclubs, and seemed to enjoy a glamorous lifestyle.

Buckingham Palace told this podcast: ‘As the Duke of York is not a working member of the Royal Family, we would not speak for him, and we would not comment on this matter.’ Prince Andrew’s team has not responded to our request for comment.

In 2019, Buckingham Palace said Prince Andrew was appalled by sex abuse claims about Jeffrey Epstein. In a 2019 BBC interview, the prince said it was wrong of him to visit and stay at Epstein's house in 2010 after the financier's conviction, but that he did not regret their entire friendship.

Also on the podcast, criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent explains the latest news on Ghislaine Maxwell and discusses whether she could be pardoned by President Trump. Maxwell was sentenced in 2019 to twenty years in prison for grooming and trafficking girls for Jeffrey Epstein.

Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Producer: Megan Jones Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

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