Fame Under Fire
Fame Under Fire is a podcast that examines the controversies and scandals surrounding celebrities, athletes, politicians, influencers, and royalty. Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, fresh from covering the Diddy trial, delves into the headlines each week to separate fact from fiction. With expert guests, she myth-busts, debunks, pre-bunks, and fact-checks the stories that dominate public discourse. The show aims to uncover the truth behind the timeline in an age of AI-generated evidence and misinformation.
Episodes
Kanye sexually assaulted me, says model, but he says it’s art
Jennifer An, a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, alleges Kanye West, now known as Ye, assaulted her during filming for a La Roux music video in New York in 2010. She is now suing the rapper.An says West took control of the music set before allegedly choking her, smearing make-up across her face and placing his fingers in her mouth to simulate oral sex while cameras rolled.Lawyers for
Diddy’s leaked tape controversy and the appeal to overturn his sentence
An alleged sex tape linked to Sean “Diddy” Combs spread rapidly online as Diddy’s lawyers appeal his sentence.Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan to overturn prostitution-related convictions, reduce his sentence or order his immediate release from prison. Defence lawyers argue the jury acquitted him of the most serious allegations, while prosecutors contin
Drake, D4vd and the cases still to come
Missed some of the biggest celebrity legal stories? A catch-up takes in Drake v UMG, with questions around rap, art and the First Amendment, and a refresher on the D4vd trial. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Louise Clarke
Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith
Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza
Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross
Produ
Drake v UMG: Why the Not Like Us Lawsuit Isn't Over
Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us was dismissed, but the legal battle is continuing after Drake appealed the ruling. New amicus briefs have brought more voices into the dispute, with arguments around artistic expression, rap music in courtrooms and First Amendment protections.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Louise Clarke
Senior Impact
Why has D4vd’s preliminary hearing been pushed back again?
D4vd returned to court for a status hearing amid discovery delays and the huge volume of evidence in the case. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful dismemberment of human remains. The preliminary hearing has now been delayed until 29 June.D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges.Host: Anoushk
D4vd case shocks as prosecutors reveal new evidence claims
A delayed preliminary hearing in the case against D4vd brings new scrutiny after prosecutors publicly filed a briefing document laying out their allegations. The filing includes claims relating to grooming, text messages, digital evidence, travel records and purchases prosecutors say connect to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle lawsuit
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in their legal dispute linked to the movie It Ends With Us, ending proceedings two weeks before a trial due to begin on 18 May. A federal judge had already dismissed 10 of 13 claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and civil conspiracy, leaving claims for retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract, to proc
Cute dogs and Lion King jokes spark million dollar lawsuits
A small magazine with dogs in designer clothing on its covers finds itself up against Condé Nast, publisher of Vogue, in a trademark dispute over name. Both sides are defending the right to use the name ‘Dogue’.A separate case carries a $27m claim after a comedian’s take on The Lion King’s opening lyrics went viral. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Louise Clarke
Digital Video Pro
D4vd charged with murder after Celeste Rivas Hernandez case update
D4vd, real name David Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and the unlawful mutilation of remains after the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors say the charges include special circumstances, and Burke has entered a not guilty plea.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent look at what the cha
Blake Lively v Justin Baldoni: trial evidence battle and what the jury may not hear
Motions in limine reveal competing attempts to restrict evidence in the Lively–Baldoni case, including challenges to witness testimony, viral material and past controversies. Legal arguments focus on whether the material informs the claim of retaliation, or risks biasing a jury. Our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent explains how evidentiary rules shape what may ultimately be presented in court.Ho
Has Blake Lively really “lost” the case against Justin Baldoni?
A judge has thrown out several claims in Blake Lively’s lawsuit connected to the movie It Ends With Us. The decision is based on legal thresholds around where events took place and how her role was classified. Retaliation remains part of the case, based on alleged actions following complaints about working conditions. The court has allowed those claims to proceed. Both sides deny any wrongdoing.
Scott Mills sacked, Epstein and Ramsey Elkholy emails
Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has been sacked from the BBC following allegations relating to his personal conduct. We look at what we know, and the ongoing uncertainty around the circumstances surrounding his exit.And there’s a fresh focus on the Epstein files. We examine exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and model scout Ramsay Elkholy. Messages between the two include degrading descriptions of
Pulled Off Air: The Bachelorette crisis
A full season of The Bachelorette has been cancelled days before broadcast.ABC made the decision after a video surfaced of the latest Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul in a domestic incident from 2023.The case had already been through the courts. Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested and later entered a plea in abeyance on a charge of aggravated assault. This means she had accepted responsibility in cou
The trial of Marius Borg Høiby
The case against Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has gripped Norway throughout its seven weeks. He faces 39 charges at Oslo District Court, including four counts of rape, coercive control of a former partner, drug offences, and repeated breaches of restraining orders. He denies the most serious charges.The most serious allegations center on four anonymous
Kanye West LOSES civil case over $57m house
Controversial US rapper Kanye West - now known as Ye - has been ordered to pay $140,000 to a man he hired to renovate his $57m Malibu mansion.Handyman Tony Saxon claimed he was injured while working at the beachfront house in 2021, that he wasn’t paid properly and that he was fired after refusing to run generators that released carbon monoxide inside the property.West’s team had argued Saxon was a
Singer D4vd Named as Grand Jury ‘target’
US singer D4vd has been named as the ‘Target’ of a Grand Jury investigation into the apparent murder of a teenage girl.The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was found decomposing in a car belonging to the singer in Hollywood last September - but so far there have been no arrests, no charges and no indictment.Resident Fame Under Fire attorney Shaun Kent joins Anoushka to discuss the latest in th
Blake v Justin: Nerdiness, mean girls and how to dress for court
We answer your pressing questions on the biggest legal cases of the moment.First up, the Blake Lively v Justin Baldoni case in New York. How did dragons, Game of Thrones and Taylor Swift get dragged into all of this? And how might it impact Taylor?Next, your questions on the case France’s first family, the Macrons, have brought against American online commentator and provocateur Candace Owens.Res
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni head to court.
As Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni head to court together for mediation behind closed doors, we look at how this process works.
Legally, both must try and reach agreement before their dispute goes to full trial in May. So what happens at hearings like these? How do they work? Can they reach agreement and avoid a full public trial?Resident Fame Under Fire attorney Shaun Kent walks us through the la
The Epstein Files: Fact or Fiction?
Social media has been rife with speculation about what is in the Epstein Files with stories of cannibalism, designer babies, and references to torture. But what is actually true? What more do we know? The episode answers the questions listeners most want answers to.And we hear about the latest legal developments from US lawyer Arick Fudali, who represents 11 survivors of Jeffery Epstein. What does
When It Hits the Fan x Fame Under Fire
Reputations supposedly take years to build and seconds to destroy. But what if that's no longer the case? What if the normal rules about earning - and keeping - a reputation simply don't apply any more.This week, David Yelland is joined by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, from the BBC podcast Fame Under Fire. Together, they venture into some distinctly dubious corners of the internet to see how public
Jay-Z and the Epstein files
The latest release from the Epstein files has once again thrown the spotlight on numerous famous names such as Bill Gates, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and President Trump. But within the millions of documents, other famous names have appeared, so what does it actually mean if your name is connected to the files? One of those mentioned is rapper Jay-Z, included after an FBI tip off many years ago. I
Tyler Perry to fight new sexual assault allegations
Hollywood film-maker Tyler Perry is facing a second sexual assault lawsuit by an actor employed on one of his productions. Actor Mario Rodriquez claims Perry carried out a series of unwanted sexual advances, some of which happened in Perry’s Los Angeles home. The claims follow an existing sexual assault claim by another actor called Derek Dixon. He was also employed by Perry and is suing for $2
Liam Neeson, a voiceover gig and a viral backlash
Liam Neeson appears as the narrator of a controversial film promoted as an investigation into pharmaceutical wrongdoing and Covid-era decision-making. The narration includes claims about Covid lockdowns and vaccines described as “dangerous experiments”, raising the question of what it means when a beloved movie star becomes associated, even indirectly, with polarising health narratives.Host Amber
Brooklyn Beckham, Brand Beckham, and family fallout
A very public and very personal fallout places the Beckham family under renewed attention after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham publishes a series of Instagram statements to his millions of followers. He alleges that family relationships have been shaped by what he calls Brand Beckham, including claims about public promotion, social media expectations and long-standing tensions surrounding his marriage to
Will Smith accused of predatory behaviour
Will Smith is accused of predatory behaviour by a violinist, Brian King Joseph, who played on Smith's 2024/25 tour to promote his latest album, "Based on a True Story."Smith's lawyers say the allegations are "false, baseless and reckless."King says that he and Smith had become close friends with the star once confiding in him that: "You and I have such a special connection that I don't have with a
Brigitte Macron’s cyberbully speaks out
A writer convicted of cyber-bullying the French president’s wife has told the Fame under Fire podcast he doesn’t regret it.Bertrand Scholler posted an edited photo of Brigitte Macron in a swimming costume. Her head had been cut out and a man’s torso edited in.He was one of 10 defendants in France accused of spreading false claims about Mrs Macron’s gender and sexuality as well as making “malicious
Happy New Year from Fame Under Fire
Anoushka and the Fame Under Fire team would like to wish you a happy new year.We're back next week, but in the meantime, you can go back and catch up on some of the most recent episodes!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 ava
Claims the Macrons paid for a hit on Candace Owens are “deranged”, says lawyer
The Macrons' lawyer has told the BBC that claims the French president and his wife ordered the assassination of Candace Owens are "deranged".The right-wing influencer first made the allegations in a tweet on 22 November which has now been viewed more than 44 million times.In the message labelled URGENT, Owens wrote that she was contacted by what she described as “a high-ranking employee of the Fre
Blake V Justin: Slow dancing, circumcision and famous pals
Two major developments in the epic legal saga between former co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.Lively has responded to Baldoni’s attempt to block the case from going to trial, arguing that a jury should decide.And Baldoni’s sworn deposition has been released. We hear how he responds to her allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation - claims he denies.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty an
50 Cent's new Diddy doc: allegations and unseen footage row
The lawyers for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have called the Netflix four-part series into his life “a shameful hit piece” that relied on “stolen footage”.Produced by Combs’ longtime rival 50 Cent, the documentary includes never-before-seen clips from the days leading up to his arrest, alongside interviews with individuals alleging abuse - claims Combs denies.In July, he was convicted on two charges of tran
Blake V Justin: Could the case be tossed out?
Justin Baldoni has asked the judge to throw out Blake Lively’s lawsuit against him.The former co-stars have been locked in a bitter feud since she sued him last December, accusing him of sexual harassment and waging a smear campaign against her. Claims he has denied.The latest development is that Baldoni’s legal team is asking the judge to grant a summary judgment, which would dismiss the case.Hos
Kim Kardashian Vs Ray J: Sex tape and defamation
Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are suing R&B singer Ray J for defamation over “racketeering” claims, which they have called blatantly false.Ray J’s called their lawsuit a “public relations charade” and is now countersuing them for breach of contract. He alleges they broke an agreement not to talk publicly anymore about the sex tape he made with Kim when they dated in 2003. The Kardashians’ law
Trump, the BBC, and the $1bn threat
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 chan
Inside Rebel Wilson’s bombshell legal battle
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
What will Diddy’s life be like after prison?
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
Molly-Mae, Bambi and the ‘sharenting’ grey zone
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 Moll
Playboy Bunnies and a sex dungeon: allegations against US trader
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 Mut
Jason Derulo: Sexual allegations and goat sacrifice
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
Diddy given more than four years in jail
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 h
Cassie Ventura: I still have Diddy nightmares
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
Candace Owens hits out at Macrons plus Diddy is "a good man"
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 fo
Brigitte Macron will present scientific evidence to prove she’s a woman
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
Priscilla denies claim she “pushed Elvis to his death”
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 con
Taylor and Travis: What’s in a billion-dollar prenup?
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 03
Blake V Justin: Sexual allegations and talking to the dead
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 defen
‘Free Wendy’ ‘Free Britney’: The truth behind conservatorships
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 ‘
Prince Andrew and Epstein - what's the latest?
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. 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
Victim 3: 'Diddy should be freed'
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 docu
Macron vs Candace Owens lawsuit
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 commentato
Kanye West’s ex-assistant 'has gone into hiding' after filing sexual assault claims
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 co
Welcome to Fame Under Fire
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
Anoushka’s got news...
It’s the end of Diddy on Trial, but the start of something new. Fame Under Fire is coming.
Diddy on Trial - Investigating Diddy's secret world, plus verdict reaction
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
Diddy on Trial - Diddy bail hearing gets heated
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
Diddy on Trial - Breaking: Diddy verdict
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 informatio
Diddy on Trial - Jury reaches partial verdict
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 re
Diddy on Trial - Jury sent out to decide Diddy verdict
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 ho
Diddy on Trial - Defence says case against Diddy is ‘badly, badly exaggerated’
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 Tawf
Diddy on Trial - Prosecutor tells jury it is time for Diddy to face justice
The lawyers for the prosecution have told the jury that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is the ‘leader of a criminal enterprise’ who used violence and fear in ‘brutal crimes’.At the end of the prosecution’s closing arguments, Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik said to jurors that it was time to hold Diddy accountable and for him to face justice.On Friday, the defence will present their closing arguments to t
Diddy on Trial - Diddy thanks judge and says he won’t testify
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has told the judge that he will not testify in his trial.Diddy thanked Judge Subramanian and said he had made the decision himself not to take the stand. His defence team argued that prosecutors had failed to prove his alleged crimes. They presented and rested their case in under thirty mins.Both the prosecution and defence are expected to make closing arguments towards the end
Diddy on Trial - Silence in court as jurors view explicit videos
Jurors have been watching explicit videos in court, with headphones on, as part of the prosecution’s final few days of evidence.They were also shown explicit text messages between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, former partner ‘Jane’, sex workers and Diddy’s former chief of staff Kristina Khorram.Joseph Cerciello, a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, continued his testimony and was cross exam
Diddy on Trial - Diddy's former assistant Brendan Paul takes the stand
Brendan Paul, who worked for Diddy as his personal assistant for two years, gave evidence. He said he worked 80-100 hours a week and he learnt a lot from his former boss, but now his feelings towards Diddy are 'complicated'.Joseph Cerciello, a special agent for Homeland Security Investigations, started his testimony. He's been reviewing thousands of pages of text messages, as well as phones and fi
Diddy on Trial - What’s going on with Diddy’s trial as judge cancels court day?
Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty gets the latest on the case from BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik and expert analysis with criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent.Court is cancelled on Wednesday because of a juror who has called in sick, delaying the prosecution’s end of evidence. Thursday is a public holiday in the US, so the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will resume on Friday.In the past few days, a
Diddy on Trial - Judge reprimands lawyers after information leak
Judge Subramanian has reprimanded prosecution and defence lawyers after confidential information was leaked. Sealed proceedings are not supposed to ever be released to the public.Meanwhile DeLeassa Penland, a special agent with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, has continued her evidence. The jury has been shown more text messages between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and former
Diddy on Trial - Juror sent home, plus texts shown between Diddy and Kristina Khorram
It’s week six of Diddy’s trial and juror number six has been dismissed. Judge Subramanian said they had given inconsistent answers about their home address. An alternate juror has replaced them.Plus more phone recordings and text messages between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram have been shown to the jury.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to NPR music reporter Isa
Diddy on Trial - Kanye West surprise visit and judge considers dismissing juror
Rapper Kanye or Ye West paid a visit the courthouse today to support Diddy. He stayed for 40 minutes to watch proceedings.The judge is considering whether to dismiss one of the jurors after the prosecution called for their removal. The juror gave inconsistent answers about where they live. But while the prosecution has been asking for their dismissal, the defence team want him to stay.Jonathan Per
Diddy on Trial - ‘Jane’ tells court of sex night with different famous rapper
The former partner of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has finished her fifth and final day of testimony at his trial. ‘Jane’, who is using a pseudonym to protect her identity, was cross-examined by Diddy’s defence and asked more questions by the prosecution. She also told the court about a sex night in Las Vegas with another famous rapper and his girlfriend.She testified about ‘hotel nights’, Diddy paying her
Diddy on Trial - ‘Jane’ questioned about sex drugs and underwear she ordered for ‘hotel nights’
Defence lawyer Teny Geragos continued her cross-examination of ‘Jane’ with more focus the messages between her and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. ‘Jane’ is the pseudonym being used to protect the identity of Diddy’s ex-partner.She was asked about messages which suggest she was planning ‘hotel nights’ for her and Diddy, along with other men. Photos were also shown to the jury of ‘Jane’ and Diddy spending time
Diddy on Trial - Diddy’s ex tells court she ‘enjoyed taking care of him’
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
Diddy on Trial - Diddy’s ex: 'I wanted to stop having sex with other men'
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 ga
Diddy on Trial - Diddy’s former girlfriend “Jane” says he’s still paying her rent
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 s
Diddy on Trial - Judge threatens to remove Diddy from courtroom
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
Diddy on Trial - Bryana 'Bana' Bongolan testifies about ‘balcony dangling’ by Diddy
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
Diddy on Trial - Security officer: Diddy ‘gave me $100,000’ after handing over Cassie video
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 a
Diddy on Trial - Hotel worker: Room needed ‘deep cleaning’ after Diddy stay
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
Australia’s ‘mushroom murder’ trial
It's the case that's captured the attention of the world. Three people died and a fourth survived an induced coma after eating beef Wellington at a family lunch, hosted by Erin Patterson. Police allege the beef wellington contained poisonous mushrooms, but Erin Patterson says she's innocent. Now, the accused triple murderer is fighting the charges in a regional Victorian courthouse. Court reporter
Diddy on Trial - Diddy’s ex-assistant tells court she ‘hasn't lied to anyone at all’
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,
Diddy on Trial - Diddy’s former employee ‘Mia’ testifies that he raped her
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
Diddy on Trial - Cassie’s ex-stylist: We hid 'too many times to count' to stop Diddy 'attack'
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
Diddy on Trial - Ex-employee says Diddy threatened to 'go kill' Kid Cudi
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 br
