Fame Under Fire

As Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni head to court together for mediation behind closed doors, we look at how this process works. Legally, both must try and reach agreement before their dispute goes to full trial in May. So what happens at hearings like these? How do they work? Can they reach agreement and avoid a full public trial?Resident Fame Under Fire attorney Shaun Kent walks us through the latest legal steps.Host: Anoushka Mutanda Dougherty Series Producer: Jim Frank Senior Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Hattie Valetine Technical Producer: Cameron Ward. Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Social media has been rife with speculation about what is in the Epstein Files with stories of cannibalism, designer babies, and references to torture. But what is actually true? What more do we know? The episode answers the questions listeners most want answers to.And we hear about the latest legal developments from US lawyer Arick Fudali, who represents 11 survivors of Jeffery Epstein. What does justice now look like for them?Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Jim Frank Senior Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Lisa Baxter Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Reputations supposedly take years to build and seconds to destroy. But what if that's no longer the case? What if the normal rules about earning - and keeping - a reputation simply don't apply any more.This week, David Yelland is joined by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, from the BBC podcast Fame Under Fire. Together, they venture into some distinctly dubious corners of the internet to see how public opinion is really being shaped.Examining the trial of rapper Diddy, they explain how he may have actually benefitted from the wild accusations being made about him on social media before the case came to court - and how his PR team realised they could capitalise on the fact he was being portrayed as the Devil. On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Anoushka look at how the PR world might want to take some tips from Candace Owens - however unpalatable that may seem.The right-wing influencer promotes conspiracy theories and has repeatedly made claims about Brigitte Macron being born a male. The Macrons have filed a defamation lawsuit against her.But Candace Owens has millions of followers and arguably influences more people than many newspapers, news channels or politicians. It's why Anoushka describes her as a 'personal PR powerhouse' - and explains that whatever you think of her, the way she spreads her message should be closely examined - and followed.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

The latest release from the Epstein files has once again thrown the spotlight on numerous famous names such as Bill Gates, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and President Trump. But within the millions of documents, other famous names have appeared, so what does it actually mean if your name is connected to the files? One of those mentioned is rapper Jay-Z, included after an FBI tip off many years ago. It’s provoked a big social media interest but is this really a significant development?And in a series of shocking social media posts, rapper Nicki Minaj has made some wild allegations about child abuse involving Jay-Z. In the past Jay-Z has always strongly denied any wrongdoing.Fame Under Fire gets the legal lowdown from resident trial attorney Shaun Kent and separates the fact from the fiction.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Jim Frank Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Lisa Baxter Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Hollywood film-maker Tyler Perry is facing a second sexual assault lawsuit by an actor employed on one of his productions. Actor Mario Rodriquez claims Perry carried out a series of unwanted sexual advances, some of which happened in Perry’s Los Angeles home. The claims follow an existing sexual assault claim by another actor called Derek Dixon. He was also employed by Perry and is suing for $260 million in damages. Both claims have been filed by the same lawyer. Tyler Perry’s legal team has strongly denied all the allegations in both lawsuits, saying they are a “scam.” Responding to the Rodriquez claim, Perry’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, says it will be “another failed money grab.” New York based attorney and legal analyst Terri Austin walks presenter Amber Haque through the two cases. Host: Amber Haque Series Producer: Jim Frank Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Hattie Valetine Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Liam Neeson appears as the narrator of a controversial film promoted as an investigation into pharmaceutical wrongdoing and Covid-era decision-making. The narration includes claims about Covid lockdowns and vaccines described as “dangerous experiments”, raising the question of what it means when a beloved movie star becomes associated, even indirectly, with polarising health narratives.Host Amber Haque discusses reputational risk with Crisis PR Manager Molly McPherson and BBC Journalist Madeline Halpert.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.Host: Amber HaqueSeries Producer: Louise ClarkeSenior Impact Producer: Daniel RazaProduction Coordinator: Hattie ValentineTechnical Producer: Richard HannafordEditor: Clare FordhamAssistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial MillerCommissioning Producer: Adam ElandAssistant Commissioner: Will DrysdaleCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A very public and very personal fallout places the Beckham family under renewed attention after Brooklyn Peltz Beckham publishes a series of Instagram statements to his millions of followers. He alleges that family relationships have been shaped by what he calls Brand Beckham, including claims about public promotion, social media expectations and long-standing tensions surrounding his marriage to Nicola Peltz.The Beckhams have yet to respond.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.Host: Amber Haque Series Producer: Louise Clarke Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Will Smith is accused of predatory behaviour by a violinist, Brian King Joseph, who played on Smith's 2024/25 tour to promote his latest album, "Based on a True Story."Smith's lawyers say the allegations are "false, baseless and reckless."King says that he and Smith had become close friends with the star once confiding in him that: "You and I have such a special connection that I don't have with anyone else." The violinist, who came to public attention on the "America's Got Talent" show, also alleges that Smith groomed him for sex. He's also claiming damages from Smith and his company for wrongful dismissal.So what happens next? Fame Under Fire's own in-house lawyer, Shaun Kent guides us through the key legal issues at play.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Jim Frank Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Harriet Valentine Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A writer convicted of cyber-bullying the French president’s wife has told the Fame under Fire podcast he doesn’t regret it.Bertrand Scholler posted an edited photo of Brigitte Macron in a swimming costume. Her head had been cut out and a man’s torso edited in.He was one of 10 defendants in France accused of spreading false claims about Mrs Macron’s gender and sexuality as well as making “malicious remarks” about the 24 year age gap between her and her husband.They were found guilty at a Paris court. Scholler was handed a suspended sentence of six months.Speaking after his conviction, he said he was in “shock”, adding that the law which led to his conviction was a “nuclear bomb for freedom of speech”.We also hear from the BBC’s Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield about the court case and what’s next for the Macrons.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.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Mark Burrows Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Anoushka and the Fame Under Fire team would like to wish you a happy new year.We're back next week, but in the meantime, you can go back and catch up on some of the most recent episodes!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.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

The Macrons' lawyer has told the BBC that claims the French president and his wife ordered the assassination of Candace Owens are "deranged".The right-wing influencer first made the allegations in a tweet on 22 November which has now been viewed more than 44 million times.In the message labelled URGENT, Owens wrote that she was contacted by what she described as “a high-ranking employee of the French Government,” who allegedly warned her that the Macrons had “executed upon and paid for my assassination."She has since reiterated the claims - recently in an interview with Russell Brand.In a statement to the BBC's Fame under Fire podcast, Tom Clare said: "This deranged allegation is right out of Ms. Owens’ playbook. We’re not going to dignify it with a response beyond noting that it does further and fit her pattern of reckless and irresponsible defamation of our clients."Candace Owens has also been meeting with Charlie Kirk’s widow this week after promoting theories about his death to her millions of followers.In an interview with CBS, Erika Kirk had asked people making “unfounded claims” regarding his assassination to “just stop”.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Will Sommer, senior journalist with The Bulwark, look into the story and discuss the podcaster's influence in US politics.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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Two major developments in the epic legal saga between former co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.Lively has responded to Baldoni’s attempt to block the case from going to trial, arguing that a jury should decide.And Baldoni’s sworn deposition has been released. We hear how he responds to her allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation - claims he denies.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent discuss power dynamics, why circumcision appears in the legal filings, and how a slow dance montage could be key.The trial was due to begin in March but has now been pushed back to May because the judge has two criminal trials to oversee.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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Impact Producer: Sophie Millward Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

The lawyers for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have called the Netflix four-part series into his life “a shameful hit piece” that relied on “stolen footage”.Produced by Combs’ longtime rival 50 Cent, the documentary includes never-before-seen clips from the days leading up to his arrest, alongside interviews with individuals alleging abuse - claims Combs denies.In July, he was convicted on two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution but found not guilty of the most serious charges - racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking of two ex-girlfriends. Netflix insists the footage was “legally obtained” and says the series is “not a hit piece or an act of retribution”.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty joins Rolling Stone’s senior investigations reporter Cheyenne Roundtree to unpack the allegations and the battle over unseen footage.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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Justin Baldoni has asked the judge to throw out Blake Lively’s lawsuit against him.The former co-stars have been locked in a bitter feud since she sued him last December, accusing him of sexual harassment and waging a smear campaign against her. Claims he has denied.The latest development is that Baldoni’s legal team is asking the judge to grant a summary judgment, which would dismiss the case.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent examine Baldoni’s arguments in more detail.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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Lisa Baxter Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are suing R&B singer Ray J for defamation over “racketeering” claims, which they have called blatantly false.Ray J’s called their lawsuit a “public relations charade” and is now countersuing them for breach of contract. He alleges they broke an agreement not to talk publicly anymore about the sex tape he made with Kim when they dated in 2003. The Kardashians’ lawyer has called Ray J’s countersuit “frivolous”. Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent look at the allegations made in the legal documents and analyse the case.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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Why bring the case in Florida? Why $1bn, and how could the BBC defend itself from a defamation lawsuit?Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent analyse US President Donald Trump’s threat of legal action against the BBC.Trump told Fox News he had an "obligation" to sue the BBC over the way a section of his speech was edited in a Panorama documentary."They actually changed my January 6 speech, which was a beautiful speech, which was a very calming speech, and they made it sound radical,” he said."And they actually changed it. What they did was rather incredible."BBC Chair Samir Shah has previously apologised for an "error of judgement" over the edit.He said the BBC was considering how to respond to the legal threat.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.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-DoughertySeries Producer: Vicky FarncombeSenior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-SmithProduction Coordinator: Helena Warwick-CrossTechnical Producer: Nicky EdwardsEditor: Lisa BaxterAssistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial MillerCommissioning Producer: Adam ElandAssistant Commissioner: Will DrysdaleCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Hollywood A-lister Rebel Wilson is embroiled in an explosive legal saga with the producers and lead actress of her directorial debut, The Deb. It involves multiple lawsuits in Australia and the US and includes claims of defamation, sabotage and false imprisonment - as well as allegations of sexual misconduct and embezzlement. Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent analyse the key areas of the dispute.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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been told what conditions he must comply with when he is eventually released from jail.The rap mogul was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted on two other charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.As well as serving a 50-month jail term, he also faces strict conditions on his release. He is appealing the conviction.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent discuss how difficult it will be for Diddy to stick to the rules of his probation order.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.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-DoughertySeries Producer: Vicky FarncombeSenior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-SmithProduction Coordinator: Helena Warwick-CrossProduction Coordinator: Hattie ValentineTechnical Producer: Nicky EdwardsEditor: Clare FordhamAssistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial MillerCommissioning Producer: Adam ElandAssistant Commissioner: Will DrysdaleCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague has been getting some flak online for how much she shares about her two-year-old daughter. Clips from the Amazon Prime series, Behind It All, show toddler Bambi refusing to use the toilet, pooing in the bath and talking about biting her friends. Some viewers have said it makes them feel uncomfortable and that it is affecting Bambi’s privacy. The BBC asked Molly Mae for a comment but haven’t heard back. Previously, she told The Sun newspaper: “I have to manage it quite carefully. “When Bambi gets older, she’s going to have a really special video diary. Not all of it pretty, but it’s just magical that I’m able to do that.” Asked how her daughter might react to the bath poo incident, she said: “I think she’ll love it. To be honest with you, like I said before, it is quite hard to navigate because she obviously didn’t choose this life, but equally I think we are so grateful to have the life that we do. “And I think it’s me and Tommy (Bambi’s dad) just navigating our way through it and figuring out how it feels right for Bambi.” But are there legal risks to “sharenting”? And could there be a future where influencers’ children sue their parents? Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty discuss the legal grey zone with Claire Bessant, associate professor at Northumbria Law School, and US trial attorney Shaun Kent. 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. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Retired New York financier Howard Rubin has been charged with sex trafficking multiple women, including Playboy models.Prosecutors allege the women were sexually and physically assaulted in a Manhattan penthouse in a soundproofed room described as “The Dungeon”.Rubin’s former assistant Jennifer Powers is charged as a co-conspirator.They have both pleaded not guilty to all charges.Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent assess the case and discuss why the prosecution have revealed the more shocking allegations in a letter recommending Rubin be denied bail.This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence. If you are affected by anything in the programme, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.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.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts