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.

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

The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is over. He has been cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering with conspiracy, and found guilty of transportation for prostitution. He is due to be sentenced at a later date. But discussions go on about power dynamics and working practices in the music industry, as well as about coercion, control and consent. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC investigations correspondent Rianna Croxford about her work with producer Larissa Kennelly hearing from people who worked for Sean Combs. And CNN anchor and former prosecutor Laura Coates tells Anoushka what she heard from one of the alternate jurors on the Diddy trial about the evidence that might have undermined the prosecution’s case. 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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Sound Design: Mark Burrows Exec Producer: Nik Sindle Senior Producer: Larissa Kennelly 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

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after being found guilty of transportation for prostitution. He was cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking charges earlier on Wednesday, after the jury reached a partial verdict. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to BBC New York digital reporter Sakshi Venkatraman and criminal defence attorney Shaun Kent. 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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis 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

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is found not guilty of racketeering, and not guilty of sex trafficking ex-partner Casandra Ventura and another woman referred to as 'Jane'. He is found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, related to both women. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is in court to see Combs' reaction as the verdict is read out. 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 Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Producer: Chrystal Genesis 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