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BBC Sounds

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

Why bring the case in Florida? Why $1bn, and how could the BBC defend itself from a defamation lawsuit?

Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent analyse US President Donald Trump’s threat of legal action against the BBC.

Trump told Fox News he had an "obligation" to sue the BBC over the way a section of his speech was edited in a Panorama documentary.

"They actually changed my January 6 speech, which was a beautiful speech, which was a very calming speech, and they made it sound radical,” he said.

"And they actually changed it. What they did was rather incredible."

BBC Chair Samir Shah has previously apologised for an "error of judgement" over the edit.

He said the BBC was considering how to respond to the legal threat.

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: Helena Warwick-Cross

Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards

Editor: Lisa Baxter

Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller

Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland

Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Trump, the BBC, and the $1bn threat

Hollywood A-lister Rebel Wilson is embroiled in an explosive legal saga with the producers and lead actress of her directorial debut, The Deb. 

It involves multiple lawsuits in Australia and the US and includes claims of defamation, sabotage and false imprisonment - as well as allegations of sexual misconduct and embezzlement.
 
Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent analyse the key areas of the dispute.

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: Helena Warwick-Cross
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Editor: Clare Fordham
Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Inside Rebel Wilson’s bombshell legal battle

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been told what conditions he must comply with when he is eventually released from jail.

The rap mogul was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted on two other charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

As well as serving a 50-month jail term, he also faces strict conditions on his release. He is appealing the conviction.

Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent discuss how difficult it will be for Diddy to stick to the rules of his probation order.

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: Helena Warwick-Cross

Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine

Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards

Editor: Clare Fordham

Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller

Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland

Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

What will Diddy’s life be like after prison?

Reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague has been getting some flak online for how much she shares about her two-year-old daughter.
 
Clips from the Amazon Prime series, Behind It All, show toddler Bambi refusing to use the toilet, pooing in the bath and talking about biting her friends.
 
Some viewers have said it makes them feel uncomfortable and that it is affecting Bambi’s privacy.
 
The BBC asked Molly Mae for a comment but haven’t heard back. Previously, she told The Sun newspaper: “I have to manage it quite carefully.
 
“When Bambi gets older, she’s going to have a really special video diary. Not all of it pretty, but it’s just magical that I’m able to do that.”
 
Asked how her daughter might react to the bath poo incident, she said: “I think she’ll love it. To be honest with you, like I said before, it is quite hard to navigate because she obviously didn’t choose this life, but equally I think we are so grateful to have the life that we do.
 
“And I think it’s me and Tommy (Bambi’s dad) just navigating our way through it and figuring out how it feels right for Bambi.”
 
But are there legal risks to “sharenting”? And could there be a future where influencers’ children sue their parents?
 
Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty discuss the legal grey zone with Claire Bessant, associate professor at Northumbria Law School, and US trial attorney Shaun Kent.
 
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

Molly-Mae, Bambi and the ‘sharenting’ grey zone

Retired New York financier Howard Rubin has been charged with sex trafficking multiple women, including Playboy models.

Prosecutors allege the women were sexually and physically assaulted in a Manhattan penthouse in a soundproofed room described as “The Dungeon”.

Rubin’s former assistant Jennifer Powers is charged as a co-conspirator.

They have both pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent assess the case and discuss why the prosecution have revealed the more shocking allegations in a letter recommending Rubin be denied bail.

This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence. If you are affected by anything in the programme, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

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

Playboy Bunnies and a sex dungeon: allegations against US trader

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

Jason Derulo: Sexual allegations and goat sacrifice

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? 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 given more than four years in jail

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

Cassie Ventura: I still have Diddy nightmares

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.

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 Macrons plus Diddy is "a good man"

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.

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

Brigitte Macron will present scientific evidence to prove she’s a woman

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 - Ex-employee says Diddy threatened to 'go kill' Kid Cudi

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