

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 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

May 28, 2025 • 14min
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 violence.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to Madeline Halpert, the BBC’s New York digital reporter about the day 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: 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

May 28, 2025 • 14min
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 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

May 23, 2025 • 28min
Kid Cudi: ‘Porsche destroyed by Molotov cocktail’
Rapper Kid Cudi has told the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs that his car was set on fire by a Molotov cocktail. He testified that it happened after Diddy found out about his relationship with Cassie Ventura.Also giving evidence on Thursday, Cassie Ventura’s make-up artist and friend, along with Diddy’s former executive assistant.A warning, this episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual violence.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty rounds up the week’s evidence with the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik, plus legal analysis and your questions answered with criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent.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
Producer: Kizzy Cox
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 22, 2025 • 11min
Expert witness, seized items and hotel clean ups
A warning, this episode contains references to domestic abuse and drugs
A Homeland Security agent gave further evidence on what was seized from Sean Combs’ Miami property during federal raids, including parts of a semi-automatic rifle, drugs including MDMA and ketamine, and lingerie, baby oil and high heels.
Expert witness Dr Dawn Hughes testified as a clinical psychologist and outlined how trauma can affect memory and behaviour, stating that delayed PTSD and fragmented recall are common among abuse victims.
George Kaplan, a former assistant at Combs Enterprises, told the court he was responsible for preparing hotel bags for Combs that included candles, baby oil and drugs, paid for with a corporate credit card.
And anticipation builds for the testimony of musician Kid Cudi, once romantically linked to Cassie. He is expected to appear in court as one of five witnesses scheduled for tomorrow.Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC's BBC’s Nada Tawfik about the day 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 Journalist: Chrystal Genesis
Executive Producer: Louise Clarke
Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine
Editor: Clare Fordham
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller