

Fame Under Fire
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 31, 2025 • 24min
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 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

Jul 24, 2025 • 29min
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 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

Jul 17, 2025 • 2min
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 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.

Jul 10, 2025 • 2min
Anoushka’s got news...
It’s the end of Diddy on Trial, but the start of something new. Fame Under Fire is coming.

Jul 3, 2025 • 26min
Investigating Diddy's secret world, plus verdict reaction
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.

Jul 3, 2025 • 23min
Diddy bail hearing gets heated
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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 8min
Breaking: Diddy verdict
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.

Jul 1, 2025 • 6min
Jury reaches partial verdict
The jury has delivered a partial verdict in Sean 'Diddy' Combs's high-stakes trial, successfully deciding on four counts but struggling with the racketeering charge. Tensions mount as deliberations continue, revealing the emotional weight these decisions carry for the defendant and his family. The courtroom drama unfolds with contrasting perspectives from both sides, drawing listeners into the complexities of this legal saga. As the case evolves, the implications of the jury's choices reverberate throughout the trial.

Jun 30, 2025 • 6min
Jury sent out to decide Diddy verdict
The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is heating up as the jury deliberates serious charges like sex trafficking and racketeering. Tension escalates when concerns arise about juror compliance with court instructions. The jury grapples with legal nuances surrounding drug distribution, highlighting the complexities they face. As verdict expectations grow, the discussion reveals the importance of clear communication in the justice system. Tune in for insights into the trial's unfolding drama and the jurors' critical decisions.

Jun 28, 2025 • 14min
Defence says case against Diddy is ‘badly, badly exaggerated’
Nada Tawfik, BBC's New York correspondent, provides an insightful look into Sean 'Diddy' Combs' controversial trial. She discusses how Diddy's defense argues that the case against him is exaggerated and questions the prosecution's motives. The conversation highlights the portrayal of Cassie as a complex figure, examining her agency and the dynamics within Diddy's circle. Tawfik also shares the tense atmosphere in court as the jury prepares to make a decision that could redefine justice in this high-stakes case.