

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

Jun 10, 2025 • 12min
Diddy’s ex tells court she ‘enjoyed taking care of him’
Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento, a music reporter for NPR, discusses the riveting courtroom testimony of a woman identified as ‘Jane,’ who shares her complex relationship with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. She reveals intimate details about caring for him and the emotional turmoil of their encounters. The conversation covers themes of affection versus discomfort, jealousy, and the dynamics of non-monogamous relationships. Listeners are drawn into the emotional and legal intricacies of a high-profile case that raises important questions about consent and control.

Jun 10, 2025 • 11min
Diddy’s ex: 'I wanted to stop having sex with other men'
Jericka Duncan, a CBS national news correspondent, joins the conversation to provide live updates from the trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. She shares insights on a pivotal witness's dramatic testimony, revealing a history of manipulation and physical violence in their relationship. The guest discusses the emotional turmoil faced by the witness, including struggles with PTSD and coercion. As the tension mounts, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for crucial cross-examination developments and ongoing trial updates.

Jun 6, 2025 • 15min
Diddy’s former girlfriend “Jane” says he’s still paying her rent
In this engaging discussion, Sakshi Venkatraman, a BBC digital reporter, sheds light on gripping courtroom revelations regarding Diddy. A witness named Jane claims Diddy continues to pay her rent despite her role for the prosecution. She shares unsettling experiences, including her reluctance to participate in sexual activities during her menstrual cycle and the consequences of drug use in their tumultuous relationship. The podcast delves deep into the complexities of manipulation, emotional struggles, and the darker side of fame.

Jun 5, 2025 • 24min
Judge threatens to remove Diddy from courtroom
Nada Tawfik, BBC's New York correspondent, shares insights from the courtroom drama surrounding Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who faces serious federal charges. Shaun Kent, a criminal defense attorney, breaks down the complexities of the RICO statute and discusses courtroom decorum after a judge warns Diddy against interacting with jurors. The guest duo also unpacks the emotional testimony of a former girlfriend, shedding light on their tumultuous relationship filled with manipulation. They tackle common misconceptions about the case and the legal implications of plea deals.

Jun 5, 2025 • 16min
Bryana 'Bana' Bongolan testifies about ‘balcony dangling’ by Diddy
Nada Tawfik, BBC's New York correspondent, provides a gripping insight into the ongoing trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Witness Bryana 'Bana' Bongolan recounts being dangled over a balcony in 2016 while sharing her struggles with drug use alongside Cassie Ventura. The podcast covers the forensic expert’s confirmation of unaltered CCTV footage showing Diddy’s alleged assault. Tawfik breaks down courtroom dynamics, including tactics to discredit witnesses and the psychological impact of trauma in these high-stakes legal battles.

Jun 3, 2025 • 13min
Security officer: Diddy ‘gave me $100,000’ after handing over Cassie video
Cheyenne Roundtree, a senior investigative reporter at Rolling Stone, dives into gripping courtroom drama as former hotel security officer Eddy Garcia claims he received $100,000 from Diddy after handing over incriminating CCTV footage. The conversation also touches on the implications of non-disclosure agreements and the ethical dilemmas faced by witnesses. Testimonies from former Bad Boy Records executives reveal a web of intrigue surrounding serious allegations against Sean Combs, who continues to deny all charges. It's an intense exploration of a high-profile legal battle.

Jun 2, 2025 • 9min
Hotel worker: Room needed ‘deep cleaning’ after Diddy stay
The courtroom drama unfolds as Diddy’s former assistant testifies about shocking allegations of sexual assault. Tensions rise with emotional cross-examinations and testimonies revealing the chaotic aftermath of Diddy’s hotel stays, including damage that required extensive cleaning. A seasoned hotel worker shares insights on the peculiar behaviors of celebrity guests, adding a layer of intrigue to the case. The complexities of power dynamics and psychological struggles faced by individuals in abusive situations are also explored, shedding light on the darker aspects of celebrity culture.

Jun 1, 2025 • 3min
Australia’s ‘mushroom murder’ trial
A shocking case in Australia unfolds as three family members die after a lunch featuring a deadly beef Wellington. The accused, Erin Patterson, claims her innocence, while the courtroom buzzes with chilling details of the investigation into the toxic mushrooms. Reporters provide gripping recaps of the trial's dramatic moments, and explore the emotional weight of this family tragedy. Insights into foraging practices and the societal impact of the case further deepen the narrative, keeping listeners on edge.

May 30, 2025 • 14min
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, as well as videos and multiple Instagram posts she had made, which all painted Diddy in a glowing light.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York correspondent Nada Tawfik about the day in court, as week three of the trial ends.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/actionlinePresenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Mark Burrows
Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus
Executive Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare Fordham
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

May 30, 2025 • 28min
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 and rape.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to Nada Tawfik, the BBC’s New York correspondent and criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent about the testimony from ‘Mia’ and the rest of the week 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/actionlinePresenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Mark Burrows
Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus
Executive Producer: Richard Fenton-Smith
Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare Fordham
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller