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:

Victim 3: ‘Diddy Should Be Freed' Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s former partner Gina Huynh speaks out to support him. She was ‘Victim 3’ in the indictment and supposed to take the stand to give evidence against Combs during trial, but didn’t turn up.

Meanwhile, Combs is refused bail ahead of sentencing in October for transportation for prostitution.

Sex worker Bonnie Blue tells us she’s decided to rebrand after controversy following a TV documentary about her.

Plus, what exactly are the allegations faced by Andrew and Tristan Tate? We explain them all.

Anoushka speaks to criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and sex worker Adreena Winters. 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 Exec Producer: Tara McDermott 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

Sydney Sweeney Ad Backlash, Macron Lawsuit, Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and guests discuss an advertising campaign starring actress Sydney Sweeney for American Eagle which has prompted criticism for what some describe as eugenic overtones. The advert’s wordplay on “jeans” and “genes” has led to accusations of racial insensitivity and critics argue the campaign invokes language historically linked to white supremacy.

Podcaster and commentator Candace Owens is facing a lawsuit from French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron over conspiracy theories Owens promoted on her podcast. The Macrons allege Owens spread false and defamatory claims regarding Brigitte Macron’s identity and personal history, despite having received formal retraction requests. Owens says the lawsuit is evidence that Brigitte Macron is definitely a man.

Blake Lively is suing her former co-star and director Justin Baldoni, for sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, and defamation. She is about to sit for her deposition where she will face questions from Justin Baldoni's lawyer. Her claim alleges there was inappropriate on-set behaviour and that she was targeted in a smear campaign. Baldoni has said the allegations are categorically false.

Anoushka speaks to criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and crisis PR manager Molly McPherson. Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4 or find Anoushka on social media. 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 Producer: Louise Clarke 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

Kanye West’s Ex-Assistant ‘Has Gone Into Hiding' Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and guests discuss the latest allegations against Kanye West from his former chief of staff. He denies all the claims from Lauren Pischiotta.

A warning, this programme contains graphic descriptions of rape and sexual assault allegations.

They also talk through Nicki Minaj’s latest social media spat with SZA and how Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s sentence will be decided after his conviction for transportation for prostitution.

Anoushka speaks to criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent and crisis PR manager Molly McPherson.

Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4 or find Anoushka on social media. 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 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

Trailer Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Celebrities, athletes, politicians, influencers and even royalty can all land in the firing line.

Why does it matter? Because we invest in them. We give them space in our homes, our budgets, our feeds, and sometimes, our hearts. We put them on pedestals. So when they fall, we want the truth.

But in an age of AI-generated “evidence”, misinformation, and unqualified newsfluencers, separating fact from fiction is a full-time job.

Hot on the heels of covering the Diddy trial, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is up for the challenge. Each week on Fame Under Fire, she’ll take a detailed look at the topics dominating the headlines. With the help of expert guests, she’ll myth bust, debunk, pre-bunk, fact check and get to the truth behind the timeline. 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.

Diddy on Trial: Investigating Diddy’s Secret World Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is over. He has been cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering with conspiracy, and found guilty of transportation for prostitution. He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

But discussions go on about power dynamics and working practices in the music industry, as well as about coercion, control and consent.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC investigations correspondent Rianna Croxford about her work with producer Larissa Kennelly hearing from people who worked for Sean Combs.

And CNN anchor and former prosecutor Laura Coates tells Anoushka what she heard from one of the alternate jurors on the Diddy trial about the evidence that might have undermined the prosecution’s case.

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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Producer: Larissa Kennelly Production Coordinators: 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 Bail Hearing Gets Heated Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after being found guilty of transportation for prostitution.

He was cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking charges earlier on Wednesday, after the jury reached a partial verdict.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York digital reporter Sakshi Venkatraman and criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent.

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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Production Coordinators: 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: Breaking: Diddy Verdict Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is found not guilty of racketeering, and not guilty of sex trafficking ex-partner Casandra Ventura and another woman referred to as 'Jane'. He is found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, related to both women.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is in court to see Combs' reaction as the verdict is read out.

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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Video Producer: Dan Raza Production Coordinators: 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: Jury Reaches Partial Verdict Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

The jury has reached a partial verdict during the second day of deliberations in Sean "Diddy" Combs's criminal trial.

The jury has reached a verdict on four of the five counts Diddy faces, but are unable to on the fifth - the racketeering conspiracy charge.

The judge has told the jurors to carry on deliberating on the final charge.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York digital reporter Madeline Halpert 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 Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Dan Raza Production Coordinators: 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: Jury Sent Out to Decide Diddy Verdict Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

The jury have been sent out in the trial after being instructed by the judge to consider each of the charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Just an hour into deliberations, the jury sent a note to the judge saying they were concerned one of their fellow jurors could not follow the court's instructions.

A few hours later, they sent a second note with a question about drug distribution. The jury went home for the day without a verdict.

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: Defence Says Case Against Diddy Is ‘Badly, Badly Exaggerated’ Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo has told the jury in Diddy’s trial that prosecutors have ‘badly, badly exaggerated’ the case against him.

In closing arguments, Agnifilo said there was no way for Diddy to know that Cassie didn’t want to partake in the ‘freak-offs’, citing multiple explicit texts she sent Diddy.

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 Exec Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Dan Raza Production Coordinators: 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

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Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial

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