Fame Under Fire

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

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 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

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

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

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 RobertsClips: BBC 1Xtra and Much Music

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.

It’s the end of Diddy on Trial, but the start of something new. Fame Under Fire is coming.

Rianna Croxford, BBC investigations correspondent, shares her insights from interviewing individuals close to Sean Combs, revealing troubling dynamics in his workplace. Laura Coates, CNN anchor and former federal prosecutor, discusses eye-opening perspectives from an alternate juror that could have swayed the trial's outcome. They explore the implications of Diddy’s verdict on consent and control in the music industry, while reflecting on broader cultural conversations surrounding power, celebrity, and the unfolding Me Too movement.

In this engaging discussion, criminal defense attorney Shaun Kent provides a detailed legal analysis of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial. He breaks down the emotional tension during the bail hearing, emphasizing the societal implications of domestic violence. Kent also evaluates the credibility of witnesses and the challenges faced by the prosecution. The conversation touches on the intersection of celebrity influence and accountability within the music industry, shedding light on the complexities of high-profile legal cases.

The recent court ruling involving Sean 'Diddy' Combs sees him acquitted of serious charges but guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. The courtroom was filled with emotion as reactions unfolded. There’s a discussion on the unusual absence of co-conspirators in racketeering charges, sparking chaos outside the courthouse. The verdict also raises important questions about racial implications in high-profile legal cases and reflects on the nature of consensual relationships. This dynamic trial sheds light on complex issues in the entertainment world.