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Fame Under Fire

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Rating
★★★★☆
4.3
from
81 reviews
This podcast has
162 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
BBC Sounds
Explicit
No
Date created
2024/11/25
Latest episode
2026/11/06
Average duration
14 min.
Release period
2 days

Description

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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Check latest episodes from Fame Under Fire podcast


Brand: How Police Built the Case
2026/11/06
A warning this episode contains references to rape and sexual assault. The detective who led the investigation into Russell Brand speaks to Fame Under Fire after his conviction for rape and three sexual assaults. He was acquitted on three other counts. A warning this episode contains references to rape and sexual assault. Detective Inspector Laura Nelson tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty how officers built a case involving allegations dating back decades and supported complainants through the trial. She also discusses the influence of media coverage, a blogger cautioned over breaching a complainant’s anonymity, and confirms that the police investigation remains open. Brand is due to be sentenced on Monday. He is also being investigated over further allegations of rape from two women. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for further coverage of sentencing and what could not be reported during the trial. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Russell Brand in Custody
2026/11/05
Russell Brand is remanded in custody after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted on three other counts. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us inside Southwark Crown Court as the jury returns unanimous verdicts after eight and a half hours of deliberations. Brand is due to be sentenced on Monday. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for further coverage of the sentencing and analysis of the case. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Guilty of Rape and Sexual Assaults
2026/11/05
Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The jury at Southwark Crown Court finds Brand guilty of the anal rape of one woman and three sexual assaults involving three other women. He is found not guilty on two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports the breaking verdicts from court, with a full episode examining what happened in the courtroom to follow. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial on BBC Sounds for further coverage and analysis of the verdicts. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 17 - How Will the Jury Decide?
2026/11/03
How will the jury decide whether Russell Brand is guilty or not guilty? A warning this podcast contains references to alleged rape and sexual assault. The jury begins deliberations after receiving the judge's route to verdict. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty explains the questions jurors must consider on each of the seven charges, including consent, the different laws applying to the allegations and Brand's police interviews. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 16 - Defence Sums Up
2026/11/02
The defence delivers its closing speech in Russell Brand's trial. A warning this podcast contains strong language and detailed references to alleged rape and sexual assault. The defence argues that media coverage influenced the complainants' recollections, questions delays in reporting the allegations and challenges the prosecution's case. The defence asks the jury to find Brand not guilty. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on day sixteen of the trial at Southwark Crown Court. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Justine Lang Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 15 - Prosecution Sums Up
2026/10/30
The prosecution delivers its closing speech in Russell Brand’s trial. A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. Prosecuting counsel asks everyone in court to sit in silence for 20 seconds, illustrating how long one complainant says she struggled as Brand allegedly tried to pull her into a toilet. The prosecution revisits the six complainants’ accounts and questions why Brand recalled further details after receiving evidence ahead of trial. The prosecution asks the jury to find him guilty on all counts. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on day fifteen of the trial at Southwark Crown Court. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 14 - Wife Gives Evidence
2026/10/29
Russell Brand's wife gives character evidence in his trial. A warning this podcast contains strong language and references to sexual activity. Laura Brand tells the jury about their relationship, describing her husband as caring, kind and attentive. During cross-examination, the prosecution questions her about their relationship and previous public statements. The jury also hears from a former girlfriend who describes Brand as promiscuous and unfaithful, but says he accepted it when she refused sex. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on day fourteen of the trial at Southwark Crown Court. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 13 - “T was for tart”
2026/10/28
“T was for tart.” A warning this podcast contains strong language and references to alleged rape, anal rape and sexual assault. Russell Brand gives evidence for the first time, telling the jury about his past sexual behaviour and responding to allegations from all six complainants. Brand tells the court that consent was “fundamental, essential, necessary”, and describes how he saved women's details in his phone, including using the letter T for “tart”. He maintains that all his sexual encounters were consensual. The prosecution challenges his recollections, questioning why he initially told police he couldn't remember the complainants but later recalled details after receiving evidence ahead of the trial. Brand disputes the prosecution’s suggestion that he constructed his account around the evidence. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through Brand's first day in the witness box, his account of the allegations and the prosecution's challenges during cross-examination. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 12 - Not Guilty of Indecent Assault
2026/10/27
Russell Brand is found not guilty of indecent assault. A warning this podcast contains references to alleged rape and sexual assault. In a significant development, the judge rules that there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction on the original indecent assault charge, but the prosecution is permitted to amend the charge to attempted indecent assault. Brand has pleaded not guilty to the amended charge. The jury also hears prepared statements Brand gave to police between 2023 and 2025. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty explains the change, takes us through Brand's police statements and brings us what the jury heard on day twelve of the trial. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 11 - “Sleeping with people day and night”
2026/10/26
“Sleeping with people day and night.” A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of sex. The jury hears a statement from Russell Brand's former personal assistant describing his behaviour and attitude towards women and sex. She recalls women regularly visiting his home and Brand conducting work meetings in his underwear. She also describes the difficulties of working for him and says he “never seemed happy after sex”. She makes clear that she never witnessed him doing anything criminal, nor did anyone report criminal behaviour to her. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. As the prosecution's case draws towards a close, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through the evidence heard on day eleven of the trial. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily updates of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 10 - Will Brand Testify?
2026/10/23
Will Russell Brand take the witness stand? And what happens if he chooses not to? With no jury sitting today, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty answers your questions about the trial. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Justine Lang Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 9 - “He really hurt me”
2026/10/22
“He really hurt me.” A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. The jury hears from friends and family of Complainant Five, who describe what she told them following an alleged anal rape at Russell Brand's home. Witnesses recall her distress, concerns about her health and conversations about the events that night. The defence also questions her former boyfriend over differences between his police statement and his evidence in court. Meanwhile, the court hears a 999 call made by Complainant Two. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through the evidence, the defence's challenges and what the jury heard on day nine of the trial. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Justine Lang Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 8 - “You treated me like an animal”
2026/10/21
“You treated me like an animal.” A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged anal rape. The jury hears about an alleged text exchange between Russell Brand and Complainant Five following an alleged rape at his home. During cross-examination, the defence questions her account of what happened, challenging her recollection of events and suggesting she consented to sexual activity because she loved and idolised Russell Brand. The complainant firmly rejects that suggestion, telling the court: “No, I did not consent to what happened to me.” The defence also questions why she did not explicitly accuse Brand of rape in the text exchange. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through the evidence, the defence's challenges and what the jury heard on day eight of the trial. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 7 - “This man was mauling me”
2026/10/20
“This man was mauling me” A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. Complainant Four tells the jury Russell Brand allegedly kissed and groped her while she was working. She becomes emotional during cross-examination, describing how nobody intervened and why she felt unable to report what happened. The jury also hears from Complainant Six, who alleges she was sexually assaulted while working on a Channel 4 project, and watches part of Complainant Five's video-recorded interview, in which she describes an alleged anal rape at Brand's home. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through the evidence, the defence's challenges and what the jury heard on day seven of the trial. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows YouTube Producer: CJ Fawn Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Brand: Day 6 - “My innocence had been taken”
2026/10/19
“I felt like my innocence had been taken.” A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. Complainant three tells the jury Russell Brand sexually assaulted and raped her at a party in the early 2000s. She describes why she kept the full extent of the alleged attack secret from friends and family for years, and why she eventually reported it to police. During cross-examination, the defence challenges her memory, questions alleged inconsistencies in her accounts and suggests the sexual encounter was consensual. She rejects that suggestion. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through the evidence, the defence's challenges and what the jury heard on day six of the trial. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you what the jury hears as the trial unfolds. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Mark Burrows Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Podcast reviews

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4.3 out of 5
81 reviews
★★☆☆☆
avidposcastfan 2026/10/23
American reporter?
What is with the reporter speaking with an American accent and slipping in and out of sounding like a Southern preacher? It’s cringe. 🤦🏻‍♀️
★☆☆☆☆
stoop-sitter 2026/10/14
Who's the victim here?
What a strange way to describe a trial for multiple rape
★★★★★
JOE_SPOOKY_DUKES 2026/10/14
Hey look it’s a swifty in the wild->.
A pretty angry one too.
★★★★★
13Nipplz 2026/10/13
No matter the trial, Anoushka is EXCEPTIONAL!
I found this podcast by accident when doing a search on the Tupac trial… I just wanted general info on who what when where and why. It was during the ...
★★★★★
T—ais 2026/03/27
Will they or won’t they
Invested!!!!
★★★☆☆
moonboot520 2026/03/12
Hater
Anoushka’s hate on Taylor swift is literally so uncalled for. Enough is enough she’s not on trial. Quit speaking out of turn on things you don’t know.
★★★★★
angrylf 2025/09/18
Actual journalism meets pop culture
Great show - well reported, brilliantly presented - love it
★★★★★
Asa gigi 2025/09/11
Fame Uber Fire
I love the pace of this show. I mean she does not mess around gets to the point fires off these questions. It’s just awesome. I love it. It’s very fru...
★★★☆☆
jcbrewz 2025/06/20
Yea, that’s right
The updates are good, but Neda- and her yea, that’s right kills it.
★★★★☆
Ark Nebraska 2025/05/29
Almost perfect
I wanted to give a perfect rating, but the American correspondent has a terrible habit of starting every response to the English woman’s questions wit...
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