Fame Under Fire

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.

  1. Jury reaches partial verdict

    1 JUL

    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 reporter Madeline Halpert 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/actionline Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Dan Raza Production Coordinators: Hattie Valentine and Tammy Snow Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

    6 min
  2. Jury sent out to decide Diddy verdict

    30 JUN

    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 home for the day without a verdict. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to the BBC’s New York digital reporter Sakshi Venkatraman 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/actionline Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Dan Raza Production Coordinators: Hattie Valentine and Tammy Snow Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

    6 min
  3. Defence says case against Diddy is ‘badly, badly exaggerated’

    28 JUN

    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 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/actionline Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Video Producer: Dan Raza Production Coordinators: Hattie Valentine and Tammy Snow Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

    14 min

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About

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.

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