Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial

“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…

“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…

“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…

“Wild-eyed maniac.” The second complainant tells the jury Russell Brand grabbed her arm and tried to pull her into a toilet while she was working at MTV in the early 2000s. She describes struggling to free herself, while the defence suggests Brand was seeking consensual sexual activity. The court also hears from witnesses connected to the first complainant's allegation of rape in 1999, including two men who worked with Brand at the time. 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 challenges from the defence and what the jury heard on day five of the trial. A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you what the jury hears as the…

A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. “It made me feel so dirty.” The first complainant gives emotional evidence about an alleged rape in 1999. The jury hears her video-recorded police interview before she faces cross-examination from Russell Brand's defence team. The judge also intervenes during a tense exchange with the defence barrister. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes us through the evidence and the exchanges in court, explaining what the jury heard and the legal issues they must consider. 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…

The prosecution has opened its case against Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court, outlining allegations made by six women. A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on what the jury heard, including claims of assaults in hotels, workplaces and private homes, and the prosecution's account of why some complainants came forward years after the alleged incidents. The jury also heard evidence from Brand's former friend, who described his behaviour following an alleged incident in 1999. Under cross-examination, the defence challenged why aspects of his account had not been mentioned in earlier interviews with journalists or police. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, as Anoushka…

The jury has been selected in Russell Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court. Eight men and four women have been sworn in, along with a reserve juror. But why were six prospective jurors dismissed? Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on the jury selection process and the judge's instructions to jurors about avoiding outside opinions, media coverage and online research. She also explains why alleged victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifelong anonymity and how journalists must avoid 'jigsaw identification' in their reporting. With the prosecution due to open its case tomorrow, what can we expect from its opening statement? And why won't the defence be making one? Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, as Anoushka brings you what the jury hears and explains what it means.…

It's day one of Russell Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court, where jury selection is underway. Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is inside the courtroom, bringing you the latest from the trial and explaining how the British justice system differs from the US. From barristers in wigs and robes to strict contempt of court laws, Anoushka explains why UK court reporting comes with very different rules. Why can't journalists report everything that happens during jury selection? And why can British jurors, in certain circumstances, draw conclusions if a defendant chooses not to testify? Follow Fame Under Fire Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, as Anoushka brings you what the jury hears and explains what it means. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate…

Russell Brand’s trial begins at Southwark Crown Court on 12 October. He faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and denies the allegations against him. Before the trial begins, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by criminal defence lawyers Matthew Claughton and Stephen Davies to break down the charges, and discuss how an English criminal trial differs from trials in the US. From 12 October for Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial, Anoushka will be at Southwark Crown Court bringing you daily updates. Lock in so you never miss an episode. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Jem Westgate Production coordinator: Ellie Dover Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

The Tupac murder trial is over. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame Under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent look back at the evidence, arguments, and courtroom moments that led to Duane "Keffe D" Davis being convicted of first-degree murder. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka has been in the Las Vegas courtroom every day bringing you updates. We’ve got more trials coming up - make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been found guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon for the killing of Tupac Shakur, almost 30 years after the rapper was shot in Las Vegas. Jurors returned the verdict after nearly three hours of deliberations following closing arguments in which prosecutors pointed to Davis's own repeated accounts of the killing, while the defence argued there was no independent evidence placing him in the white Cadillac, or in Las Vegas, at the time. Davis faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is due on 13 October and he says he plans to appeal. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka has been in the Las Vegas courtroom every day bringing you updates. We’ve got more trials coming up - make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning…

Was there another white Cadillac in Las Vegas on the night Tupac Shakur was shot? Two former officers testified that they saw a cream-coloured Cadillac entering and leaving Suge Knight’s property shortly before the shooting, raising questions about the light-coloured Cadillac prosecutors say was used by Tupac’s killers. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. Jurors also heard that other people contacted investigators claiming involvement in Tupac’s murder, as the defence challenged detectives over their inability to independently corroborate key parts of Duane “Keffe D” Davis’s account. The defence has now rested its case, with closing arguments due next week. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka is in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist:…

Jurors hear jail calls from Duane "Keffe D" Davis in which he makes angry allegations about Tupac Shakur and says he is not an icon. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The jury were also shown silent courtroom footage of Davis mouthing towards Reggie Wright Jr after his testimony. The clip has prompted claims on social media that Davis called him a “rat” and Davis’s lawyer disputes that interpretation. The prosecution has now officially rested its case. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka is in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard Hanniford Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor:…

Jurors hear about evidence seized during the 2023 search of Duane "Keffe D" Davis's home, including a scrapbook containing newspaper reports about Tupac Shakur's shooting and death dating back to 1996. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The prosecution also calls former Compton police officer Robert Ladd, who testifies that Davis was a high-ranking member of the South Side Compton Crips and a "shot caller" with authority over younger gang members. The defence continues to question the physical evidence, highlighting that earlier searches found nothing that could place Davis in Las Vegas on the night Tupac was shot. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka is in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe…

Tensions rise in the Tupac murder trial as documentary maker Mike Dorsey clashes with defence attorney Michael Sanft during a heated cross-examination. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The judge stepped in several times as the exchanges became increasingly tense. The jury also heard more uncut recordings of Duane "Keffe D" Davis made during interviews for a BET documentary, including Davis saying "I'm a killer" before asking whether he would be able to review material before it was released. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka is in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard Hanniford Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner:…

Duane "Keffe D" Davis speaks out in court, telling the judge his family is being threatened and that his home and his wife's car have been vandalised. Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. Davis said the disclosure of addresses connected to his family was putting them in danger. The judge said she had heard concerns about behaviour on both sides and warned the prosecution and defence about witnesses contacting each other. The jury also hears more recordings of Davis discussing the night Tupac Shakur was shot, including footage used in a BET documentary about Death Row Records and interviews Davis gave to investigators in 2009. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka is in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas…

Day four of the Tupac Murder Trial hears hours of recordings in which Duane "Keffe D" Davis describes the night Tupac Shakur was shot and makes allegations involving Sean "Diddy" Combs. Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The court heard recordings from Davis's 2008 proffer interviews with law enforcement, in which he claimed Combs offered money for Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight to be killed, with a figure of $1 million discussed. Davis also recounts driving around Las Vegas lookinfg for Tupac and Suge Knight after the MGM Grand fight, supplying the gun and saying repeatedly that he would have shot Tupac himself if the car had pulled up on his side. Sean "Diddy" Combs has repeatedly denied any involvement in Tupac Shakur's death and has never been charged in connection with his murder. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka is in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make…

Day three of the Tupac Murder Trial reveals new details about Duane "Keffe D" Davis's relationship with law enforcement, including how he became a confidential informant and went undercover after making allegations involving Sean "Diddy" Combs. Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Davis alleged that Combs had offered money for Tupac and Suge Knight to be killed, and the court heard about an FBI investigation involving Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records. The jury was told that at the time the FBI investigation did not lead to evidence of Sean Combs involvement. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard…

Day two of the trial takes a dramatic turn as James “Mob James” McDonald, a former Mob Piru member who worked security for Suge Knight, takes the stand in the Tupac Murder Trial. Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. McDonald tells the court he does not want to testify and clashes repeatedly with defence lawyer Michael Sanft during a tense cross-examination. The jury is also shown graphic autopsy photographs as a medical examiner gives evidence about Tupac’s fatal gunshot wounds. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by Kathy Kenzora, host of the History of the Nineties podcast, to break down the key moments from court. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtoom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe…

Opening statements begin in the long-awaited trial over the murder of Tupac Shakur. Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him. The prosecution tells the jury it will build its case using Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis’s own words — from his memoir, interviews and recordings with police. But the defence tells jurors not to believe Davis’s previous accounts, arguing that he lied and embellished his story. As the first witnesses take the stand, the jury hears from a former police officer who encountered Tupac and Suge Knight shortly before the shooting, an eyewitness who heard the gunfire, and part of a 1997 police interview with Davis. From the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by the BBC’s Los Angeles correspondent Shaimaa Khalil to break down the prosecution and defence cases on day one of testimony. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtoom every day to bring you updates. Make…

Opening statements are about to begin in the Tupac Shakur murder trial in Las Vegas, nearly 30 years after the rapper was shot dead. Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent break down what each side needs to achieve in its opening statement, why Davis’s own past words could become central to the prosecution case, and what clues the defence may give about its strategy. For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtoom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Jury selection begins in the Tupac Shakur murder trial. Nearly 30 years after Tupac was fatally shot in Las Vegas, Duane “Keffe D” Davis is the only person ever charged in connection with his death. Davis has entered a not guilty plea and denies all charges. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by Fame Under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent to explain how lawyers try to find 12 fair and impartial people for one of America’s most high-profile cold cases. Anoushka will be in Las Vegas as the trial gets underway, bringing daily updates from court, the testimony, arguments, key moments and legal analysis. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard Hanniford Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death. Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him. But Keffe D is not accused of firing the fatal shots. So how can prosecutors seek to convict him of murder? And why was he arrested in 2023, decades after investigators first suspected he was in the car? Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent break down everything you need to know before the trial. Could Suge Knight testify? Could Sean “Diddy” Combs be drawn into the case? For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtoom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza…

Fame Under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent talks to Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about the legal questions raised by the D4vd preliminary hearing. Includes some disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. Shaun and Anoushka examine possible strategies the defence could use at trial and whether D4vd could enter a plea. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him. David has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production…

D4vd is ordered to stand trial for murder after a judge finds probable cause on all charges and three special circumstances. The court hears closing arguments over the final text messages, the alleged timeline of Celeste’s death and the strength of the forensic evidence. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by reporter Sam Mulick, who has been inside court throughout the hearing. There are graphic descriptions and disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. Fame Under Fire brings you the latest from inside the Los Angeles courtroom at the D4vd preliminary hearing. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him. D4vd has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are…

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by reporter Sam Mulick, who explains the medical examiner’s findings, sexually explicit material allegedly recovered from D4vd’s phone, messages about Celeste’s pregnancy and abortion, and plans for her to leave her family home. This programme contains graphic descriptions, references to child sexual abuse and other disturbing content that some listeners may find distressing. Fame Under Fire brings you the latest from inside the Los Angeles courtroom at the D4vd preliminary hearing. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him. David Burke has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production…

DNA consistent with Celeste is found at 11 locations in D4vd’s Tesla and garage, as the court hears initial evidence from the medical examiner’s office. There are some graphic descriptions and disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. Fame Under Fire brings you the latest from inside the Los Angeles courtroom at the D4vd preliminary hearing. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by reporter Sam Mulick, who explains the DNA evidence, the examination of a cut inflatable pool and the records tracking a phone and Tesla to Santa Barbara. David Burke has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper…

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty brings you the latest from inside the courtroom for day two of D4vd’s preliminary hearing. There are some graphic descriptions and disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. The court is told how Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s ID was found beside a highway, while investigators describe possible blood evidence in a Tesla and garage linked to the singer. The court also hears details of D4vd’s multi-million-dollar recording and endorsement deals, and tensions are rising between the prosecution and defence. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys say the evidence will show that he did not murder Celeste and was not the cause of her death. Fame Under Fire will be following the D4vd preliminary hearing from inside the Los Angeles courtroom, with daily reporting, legal analysis and the latest developments. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are…

Fame Under Fire is inside the courtroom for day one of the preliminary hearing involving singer d4vd, whose real name is David Burke. Our reporter joins Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty from the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles as prosecutors begin presenting the evidence they say supports charges of murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys say the evidence will show that he did not murder Celeste and was not the cause of her death. Fame Under Fire will be following the D4vd preliminary hearing from inside the Los Angeles courtroom, with daily reporting, legal analysis and the latest developments. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer:…

Recorded at the 2026 Crossed Wires festival Anoushka and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent explore how social media is transforming the courtroom. They discuss the growing influence of social media on juries, lawyers, and public opinion, and answer questions from the audience. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Fame Under Fire's resident trial attorney Shaun Kent is in the UK! He joins Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty in the London studio to discuss one of the biggest shifts taking place in the legal world: the growing influence of social media on criminal trials. From celebrity cases to viral courtroom moments, they explore how online audiences are changing the way lawyers, juries and the public engage with the justice system. Shaun talks about becoming the subject of global online attention during one of his own recent murder trials, and how social media affected both the courtroom and his personal life. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Your comments and questions following our exclusive interview with the actress Jen Ann, who accuses Kanye West of sexually assaulting her. She filed a civil lawsuit in 2024. Kanye’s lawyers don't deny it happened, but they say it was art and that Jen consented to it. Our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent and Anoushka answer your questions - from why Jen Ann could file after 14 years, to why Kanye's team is questioning if he even knew Jen was a woman. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Produced by Jim Frank & Ivana Davidovic Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

The timetable in the criminal case against D4vd has changed following the latest court hearing. David Anthony Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges relating to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The preliminary hearing, where prosecutors seek to establish probable cause, has been delayed. The hearing is also expected to include witness scheduling, meaning testimony could form part of the proceedings before any trial begins. The delay pushes back the wider court process while prosecutors and defence lawyers continue preparing their cases. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Jennifer An, a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, alleges Kanye West, now known as Ye, assaulted her during filming for a La Roux music video in New York in 2010. She is now suing the rapper.

An alleged sex tape linked to Sean “Diddy” Combs spread rapidly online as Diddy’s lawyers appeal his sentence. Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan to overturn prostitution-related convictions, reduce his sentence or order his immediate release from prison. Defence lawyers argue the jury acquitted him of the most serious allegations, while prosecutors continue to point to evidence of violence and coercion presented during the trial. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Shaun Kent discuss questions around leaked evidence, intimate recordings and the judge’s remarks at sentencing. Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. 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. Details of help and support in the UK with sexual, or domestic abuse is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior…

Missed some of the biggest celebrity legal stories? A catch-up takes in Drake v UMG, with questions around rap, art and the First Amendment, and a refresher on the D4vd trial. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us was dismissed, but the legal battle is continuing after Drake appealed the ruling. New amicus briefs have brought more voices into the dispute, with arguments around artistic expression, rap music in courtrooms and First Amendment protections. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

D4vd returned to court for a status hearing amid discovery delays and the huge volume of evidence in the case. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful dismemberment of human remains. The preliminary hearing has now been delayed until 29 June. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Digital Researcher: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A delayed preliminary hearing in the case against D4vd brings new scrutiny after prosecutors publicly filed a briefing document laying out their allegations. The filing includes claims relating to grooming, text messages, digital evidence, travel records and purchases prosecutors say connect to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in their legal dispute linked to the movie It Ends With Us, ending proceedings two weeks before a trial due to begin on 18 May. A federal judge had already dismissed 10 of 13 claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and civil conspiracy, leaving claims for retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract, to proceed. A joint statement released on 4 May refers to workplace standards and the film’s impact. No further details of the settlement have been made public, and both parties issued the same wording. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A small magazine with dogs in designer clothing on its covers finds itself up against Condé Nast, publisher of Vogue, in a trademark dispute over name. Both sides are defending the right to use the name ‘Dogue’. A separate case carries a $27m claim after a comedian’s take on The Lion King’s opening lyrics went viral. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Video Producer: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producers: Nicky Edwards and Mark Burrows Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

D4vd, real name David Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and the unlawful mutilation of remains after the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors say the charges include special circumstances, and Burke has entered a not guilty plea. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent look at what the charges mean and why the case took months to reach arrest and charge. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Motions in limine reveal competing attempts to restrict evidence in the Lively–Baldoni case, including challenges to witness testimony, viral material and past controversies. Legal arguments focus on whether the material informs the claim of retaliation, or risks biasing a jury. Our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent explains how evidentiary rules shape what may ultimately be presented in court. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Deadpool and Wolverine/Marvel Studios/Shawn Levy E Online article/Jennifer Cady NBC article/Gwen Aviles Vox article/Alex Abad-Santos

A judge has thrown out several claims in Blake Lively’s lawsuit connected to the movie It Ends With Us. The decision is based on legal thresholds around where events took place and how her role was classified. Retaliation remains part of the case, based on alleged actions following complaints about working conditions. The court has allowed those claims to proceed. Both sides deny any wrongdoing. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty talks to trial attorney Shaun Kent about the summary judgement. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has been sacked from the BBC following allegations relating to his personal conduct. We look at what we know, and the ongoing uncertainty around the circumstances surrounding his exit. And there’s a fresh focus on the Epstein files. We examine exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and model scout Ramsay Elkholy. Messages between the two include degrading descriptions of young women and references to arranging meetings under the guise of professional opportunities, raising questions about coercive behaviour and the blurred boundaries between modelling work and Epstein’s access to potential victims. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A full season of The Bachelorette has been cancelled days before broadcast. ABC made the decision after a video surfaced of the latest Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul in a domestic incident from 2023. The case had already been through the courts. Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested and later entered a plea in abeyance on a charge of aggravated assault. This means she had accepted responsibility in court and the case was effectively put on hold. But now the case is active and open as police say further allegations have been made on both sides. The series was completed but will not be shown. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent discuss what changed when the footage emerged, and whether ABC could now face legal or financial consequences. 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. Got questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 1114. Host: Anoushka…

The case against Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has gripped Norway throughout its seven weeks. He faces 39 charges at Oslo District Court, including four counts of rape, coercive control of a former partner, drug offences, and repeated breaches of restraining orders. He denies the most serious charges. The most serious allegations center on four anonymous women who told the court they had been sexually assaulted while asleep, discovering what had happened only when police showed them video footage filmed by the defendant during the alleged offences. He maintains all sexual activity was consensual. The trial that has shocked Norway is coming to a close. Three judges will deliberate, with a verdict expected in the coming months. A warning: this programme contains graphic descriptions of rape and sexual violence. If you are affected by anything in the programme, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Subscribe to Fame Under Fire on BBC…

Controversial US rapper Kanye West - now known as Ye - has been ordered to pay $140,000 to a man he hired to renovate his $57m Malibu mansion. Handyman Tony Saxon claimed he was injured while working at the beachfront house in 2021, that he wasn’t paid properly and that he was fired after refusing to run generators that released carbon monoxide inside the property. West’s team had argued Saxon was an unlicensed contractor who “destroyed” the “architectural gem” while working as an independent contractor and that bank records showed Saxon was paid $240,000 during the six weeks he worked for the rapper. A jury sitting in Los Angeles Superior Court heard Saxon initially filed a lawsuit in 2023, alleging unsafe working conditions, unpaid wages and wrongful termination. In true Ye style, it’s not been a traditional trial - at one point he appeared to fall asleep while giving evidence on the stand. This claim was then refuted by his defence attorney, Andrew Cherkasky, who told the jury on Monday: “He wasn’t…

US singer D4vd has been named as the ‘Target’ of a Grand Jury investigation into the apparent murder of a teenage girl. The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was found decomposing in a car belonging to the singer in Hollywood last September - but so far there have been no arrests, no charges and no indictment. Resident Fame Under Fire attorney Shaun Kent joins Anoushka to discuss the latest in the legally fraught process, why crucial court documents have been sealed, and what happens next. We also answer your pressing questions on the latest Epstein files dump - does Madeleine McCann’s name appear? And was Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch linked to the convicted sex offender? Host: Anoushka Mutanda Dougherty Producer: Keiligh Baker Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Ben Andrews and Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will…

We answer your pressing questions on the biggest legal cases of the moment. First up, the Blake Lively v Justin Baldoni case in New York. How did dragons, Game of Thrones and Taylor Swift get dragged into all of this? And how might it impact Taylor? Next, your questions on the case France’s first family, the Macrons, have brought against American online commentator and provocateur Candace Owens. Resident Fame Under Fire attorney Shaun Kent joins Anoushka to discuss nerdiness, mean girls and how to dress for court. Host: Anoushka Mutanda Dougherty Producer: Keiligh Baker Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tom Dunster Technical Producer: Jonny Baker and Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts