Pop Crime

Enter the courtroom whirlwind of the Wagatha Christie trial, a gripping saga that seized the UK's attention…and no, there were no dogs involved. WAGs (the Wives And Girlfriends of famous football players) are celebrities in their own right. And when leaked stories from WAG Colleen Rooney’s private Instagram began to suspiciously show up in the tabloids, she crafted a daring plan to publicly expose the culprit. In this episode, Kiki is joined by New York Times journalist, Isabella Kwai, to untangle the web of celebrity intrigue and media scrutiny while exploring the explosive intersection of fame, betrayal, and social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naomi Judd and her daughters, Ashley Judd and Wynonna Judd, have navigated through significant family challenges. The renowned country music family has confronted childhood abuse, mental health struggles, and Ashley's influential role in the #MeToo movement. In this episode, Kiki Monique links up with Pablo The Don, a culture and music critic, to dissect the intricate dynamics and conflicts within the Judd family. Together they delve into themes of codependency, familial secrecy, and the impact of trauma on their creative expression. Together, they underscore the significance of breaking the cycle of generational trauma and highlight the transformative power of autonomy and chosen family.  @pablotdon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Jersey Housewives have given the Bravo-verse legal lessons in everything from defamation, to restraining orders, to assault. But when Teresa and Joe Guidice were sentenced to prison for bank, mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud, it became one of the most shocking moments in reality TV history. In this episode, Kiki is lawyering up with Cesie Alvarez, attorney and host of the Bravo Docket podcast, to answer the question-why on earth would someone commit federal crimes on camera? And together they reveal that the cases surrounding the RHONJ are much darker than people think. Plus, if you ever wanted to know the true story behind Teresa’s table flip seen around the world, you’ll definitely want to listen. @thebravodocket Sources: https://www.nj.com/entertainment/celebrities/2010/08/real_housewives_of_new_jersey_80.html https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/celebrity-justice/danielle-staub-settles-with-ex-husband-kevin-maher/#:~:text=Oh%20yes%2C%20and%20she%20also,the%20satisfaction%20of%20both%20parties https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/09/exclusive-documents-danielle-staubs-ex-husband-testifies-about-her-life-sex-drugs/ https://nypost.com/2020/07/04/inside-the-mob-ties-that-plague-rhonj-star-dina-manzos-family/ https://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Cop-Brought-Real-Life-Sopranos/dp/1250005876?tag=nypost-20&asc_refurl=https://nypost.com/2020/07/04/inside-the-mob-ties-that-plague-rhonj-star-dina-manzos-family/&asc_source=web https://people.com/tv/dina-manzo-caroline-manzo-family-drama-everything-we-know/ https://nypost.com/2024/03/25/us-news/rhonj-star-dina-manzos-ex-in-hot-water-again-over-claims-he-hired-mob-goon-to-rough-up-her-new-beau/ https://people.com/tv/albie-manzo-defends-mom-caroline-manzo-for-writing-letter-in-support-of-brother-in-law-tommy-manzo-this-isnt-about-family-drama/ https://archive.findlaw.com/blog/bankruptcy-fallout-the-teresa-giudice-auction/ https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/rhonjs-louie-ruelas-ups-and-downs-over-the-years/ https://pagesix.com/2024/02/13/entertainment/luis-ruelas-bo-dietl-sued-for-allegedly-hacking-computers-for-abuse-of-rhonj-stars-ex/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandy Melville grew a loyal following among Gen Z who flaunted their Brandy Melville baby tees in GRWM videos and clothing hauls. But recent reports of devastating waste, mountains of discarded clothing, along with allegations of racism, antisemitism, and sexism gave the world a much needed reality check about the brand. In this episode, Kiki conducts an eye opening interview with Eva Orner, director of the new documentary ‘Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion,' to discuss how and why former Brandy Melville employees blew the whistle, how the fast fashion industry is ruining our planet, and why those at the top must be held accountable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Middleton, formally known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced on March 22, 2024 that she has cancer. It came as a shock to many, but for some-it was straight up unbelievable and led to many conspiracies. In this episode, Kiki is diving into those conspiracy theories with Betches’ resident Royal expert Samantha Bush, who runs the wildly popular account @bravohistorian and is the host of the Chronically Online podcast. Together, they discuss why Kate Middleton became "QAnon for Wine Moms," how the Pop Apologists account contributed to the spread online, and why we should all stan Camilla Parker Bowles. @bravohistorian Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1ZmbRXTKAs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-cpiSUN0TU https://people.com/palace-responds-kate-middleton-conspiracy-theories-online-surgery-recovery-rare-statement-8602191 https://twitter.com/Andy/status/1769904785673597150 https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/kate-middleton-conspiracies-privacy/677729/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 25, 2024, armed federal agents on ground and in helicopters, swarmed Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. Since the raid, social media has been ablaze with unverified information. Some of has been accurate, some of it has been complete misinformation. In this bite-sized, breaking news episode, Kiki is weeding out fact from fiction, gathering all we know so far about the raid and current lawsuits. Sources: https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/25/diddy-homes-raided-federal-law-enforcement-beverly-hills-miami/ https://pcjc.blogs.pace.edu/tag/conviction-rate/#:~:text=The%20Southern%20District%20of%20New%20York%20also%20boasts%20a%20shockingly,in%20a%20plea%20of%20guilty. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BGed8MpiI/?igsh=ZDE1MWVjZGVmZQ== https://www.autoevolution.com/news/diddy-buys-justin-bieber-a-lamborghini-gallardo-22677.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where is Wendy Williams? That was the question on everyone’s mind; Is she in hiding? Is she even ok? How's her health? Well, the public got their answer when Hulu’s documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” aired last month ... and it only caused more concern. Why does her family say they don’t know where she is or how to contact her? How did a woman who spent decades building her empire and wealth suddenly lose it all? And how did a bank become her financial guardian? In this episode, Kiki is joined by podcaster and pop culture queen, Taylor Strecker, to discuss what has transpired since the Wendy Williams doc aired and all the drama surrounding her conservatorship. @taylorstrecker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Drake Bell has been trending online since breaking his silence, revealing that he was the unnamed child star in the 2003 sexual abuse case against former dialogue coach, Brian Peck. Since, even more child stars have come forward with allegations of a toxic work environment at Nickelodeon, sharing their experiences in the new HBO documentary, Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. In this dynamic episode, Kiki is joined by two former All That cast members, Giovannie Samuels and Bryan Hearne, to reveal some shocking truths about their experiences on set and why they would never let their own kids be on TV. @only1giovannie @hearne3000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the one year anniversary of Scando-val and it has us wondering…will this ever die?? In this episode, Kiki quickly recaps the dramatic downfall of Tom Sandoval and now his ex, Ariana Maddix, who discovered he was having a salacious affair with her best friend and VPR co-star, Rachel Leviss. Kiki is joined by Ryan Bailey, host of the podcast So Bad It’s Good, to deep dive into the shocking new revenge porn lawsuit filed by Leviss and why it's America’s sweetheart, Madix, who could end up being the one in trouble. Plus, Ryan lets us know why he thinks Bethenny Frankel's intentions seem v sus and the tea on what happened when Leviss joined Kiki’s Live. @sobaditsgood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lies upon lies contributed to the mystery of what happened to teenager Natalee Holloway after she went missing in Aruba 18 years ago. In 2023, Joran Van der Sloot finally confessed to her killing, but not before leading investigators on a wild goose chase. In this episode, Kiki is joined by Christoper Cassel, the Director & Executive Producer of the Peacock documentary, Pathological: The Lies of Joran Van der Sloot, along with criminal psychiatrist, Ayesha Ashai, to discuss new shocking revelations from the film as well as the psychology behind pathological liars, murders, and the people who are close to them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's 'Lifestyles Of The TikTok Famous' and this week is all about Reesa Teesa. In her 50 part story time series titled, “Who The F*** Did I Marry?,” Reesa dishes on how she was scandalously duped by the man she loved. In this special episode, Kiki dives deep into an almost unbelievable saga of deceit, fraud, and heartbreak. Some consider the drama #MessyTok, but it does beg the question: What are the consequences when it comes to telling your story on the internet and exposing others? Soundbites from: @reesamteesa @dannih_19 @mcsqueezy Keep an eye out for our special episodes, "Lifestyle of the TikTok Famous." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real Housewife Erika Jayne confronts the the victims of her husband, former attorney Tom Girardi, in a much anticipated Hulu documentary. But 'The Housewife and the Hustler Part 2: The Reckoning' left us wondering…was it though? In this episode, Kiki is joined by Dylan Hafer, the host of the premier Bravo podcast Mention It All, to wonder; is it fair for Erika Jayne to be held responsible for the crimes of her husband? Plus, after making an appearance in the documentary herself, Kiki shares some seriously hot insider takes.  @dylanhafer @bravobybetches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Kylie Jenner lie to journalists in 2019 when she was interviewed for the Forbes Billionaires list? In this episode, Kiki sits down with former Forbes journalists, Vanessa Grigoriadis and Natalie Robehmed, to deep dive into their podcast series Infamous: Plumping the Profits. Together, they discuss what led to Forbes overturning her billionaire status and whether Kylie should really be considered “self made.” Plus, why Natalie was left questioning whether she’d been used by the Kardashian/Jenners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Megan Thee Stallion released “Hiss” and sang the lyrics “These hoes don’t be mad at Megan, these hoes mad at Megan’s Law…,” Nicki Minaj and her Barbs went all in online. In this episode, Kiki breaks down the details of the Megan v Nicki beef with Content Creator and Pop Culture Anthropologist Blakely Thorton. Together they explain Megan’s Law, ponder whether Nicki Minaj has gone too far, and take a few guesses at how the feud will end. Plus, Blakely gives us the scoop on his own secret celebrity beef. @blakelythorton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

943 unsealed documents relating to the crimes of the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein has the celebrity world in a flurry. Controversial accusations, misunderstandings, and conspiracies have been swirling around social media since the news of the once secret documents were announced. In this episode, Kiki is joined by Kate Casey, host of the Reality Life podcast, to talk about the real consequences behind the Epstein List and why media literacy is more important now than ever. Plus, Kate gives us an inside scoop into her favorite true crime series to watch right now. @katecaseyca Sexual Abuse: If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more. Suicide:  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Sources: https://www.vox.com/politics/2024/1/4/24025802/jeffrey-epstein-list-unsealed-documents-bill-clinton-donald-trump https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/names-jeffrey-epstein-associates-others-unsealed-lawsuit-documents-rcna131621 https://www.businessinsider.com/famous-people-jeffery-epstein-money-manager-sexual-trafficking-connected-2019-7#actor-kevin-spacey-and-comedian-chris-tucker-also-took-trips-with-epstein-6 https://twitter.com/jimmykimmel/status/1742324477323833546 https://radaronline.com/p/leah-mcsweeney-carole-radziwill-sex-child-trafficking-bestie-ghislaine-maxwell-rhony/ https://screenrant.com/yolanda-hadid-hiding-epstein-ex-ghislaine-maxwell/ https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ghislaine-maxwell-sentenced-20-years-prison-conspiring-jeffrey-epstein-sexually-abuse https://www.npr.org/2022/09/08/1121525125/heres-why-conspiracy-theories-about-jeffrey-epstein-keep-flourishing https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/fake-rob-reiner-x-post-epstein-list-2024-01-10/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Acosta https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/01/09/fact-check-are-stephen-hawking-and-jimmy-kimmel-on-epsteins-list ttps://web.archive.org/web/20240104211328/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.instagram.com/p/C1qikYkNdD7/?img_index=2 https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/mark-ruffalo-apologizes-after-reposting-false-images-of-trump-on-epstein-s-plane-201646149874 https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/01/09/trump-calls-for-ai-controls-after-mark-ruffalo-posts-fake-photos-of-him-with-young-girls-on-epstein-plane/?sh=7e4391205ec6 https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/jeffrey-epstein-documents-maga-conspiracists-1234939571/ https://oig.justice.gov/sites/default/files/reports/23-085.pdf https://nypost.com/2022/01/04/judge-drops-charges-against-jeffrey-epsteins-prison-guards/ https://www.npr.org/2023/06/12/1181675580/epstein-jane-doe-1-290-million-settlement-jpmorgan-chase https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-09/jpmorgan-s-290-million-epstein-victims-pact-challenged-by-ags?embedded-checkout=true https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/business/jeffrey-epstein-estate.html#:~:text=The%20estate%20has%20paid%20%249,Court%20in%20the%20Virgin%20Islands. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/06/inside-jeffrey-epsteins-decades-long-relationship-with-his-biggest-client https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12166235/Jeffrey-Epsteins-girlfriend-visited-prison-10-days-death-records-reveal.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From your Tik Tok feed to the red carpet, Gypsy Rose has been everywhere these days. And her recent release from prison and quick rise to celebrity cult fame has given everyone a reason to brush up on her story. In this episode, Kiki is joined by writer and comedian, Meredith Lynch, to weigh in on where Gypsy Rose’s future fame is headed. They dig into what led up to the crime, Gypsy Rose’s new marriage, and some hilarious (and unrelated) hot tea that Meredith found on Facebook.  @meredithmlynch Sources: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001555.htm#:~:text=Munchausen%20syndrome%20by%20proxy%20is,like%20the%20child%20is%20sick. https://www.biography.com/crime/gypsy-rose-blanchard-mother-dee-dee-murder https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a9659096/mommy-dead-and-dearest-dee-dee-blanchard-documentary-recap/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Dee_Dee_Blanchard https://www.mylifetime.com/shows/the-prison-confessions-of-gypsy-rose-blanchard https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy-Rose_Blanchard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After performing groundbreaking artificial trachea replacements, Paolo Macchiarini became one of the most famous surgeons of his time. But after a number of patients died following the procedures, the red flags started to rise. Macchiarini's lies would eventually be exposed and brought down by his own fiance, award winning Investigative Journalist Benita Alexander. In this episode, Kiki speaks with Benita for an insider look at the Netflix docu-series Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife. Benita reveals how Macchiarini managed to fool the medical community, how she fell for his glamorous lies, and why she refuses to stay silent. @benitaalexander_official Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After being arrested in August 2023, former Youtube vlogger and mom-fluencer Ruby Franke has pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The case centers around Franke’s and vlogging partner Jodi Hildebrant’s controversial Youtube channels, 8passengers and ConneXions, which have since been deleted. In this episode, Kiki is joined by journalist Shannon Hill, of Shannon Hill News, to discuss the details of the case and ponder what needs to happen in order to protect children featured in online content. @shannonhillnews This episode contains subject matter about child endangerment and child abuse. Please take caution while listening. Sources: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/12/27/ruby-franke-case-business-partner/ https://people.com/ruby-franke-rise-fall-youtube-vlogger-charged-child-abuse-7969073 https://www.insider.com/ruby-franke-8-passengers-arrested-on-suspicion-of-child-abuse-2023-8 https://www.change.org/p/child-protective-services-get-8passengers-ruby-franke-under-investigation-for-child-abuse https://www.tiktok.com/@utahvloggersyas/video/7135796709996662058 https://www.yahoo.com/video/8-passengers-cancel-culture-war-130000641.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9wZW9wbGUuY29tL3J1YnktZnJhbmtlLXJpc2UtZmFsbC15b3V0dWJlLXZsb2dnZXItY2hhcmdlZC1jaGlsZC1hYnVzZS03OTY5MDcz&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFTtqgZi2J63xtthwvQ2zdvBhhXo_ykvL5QdD1N95jf3619MLd2l38wsz4w1EExaR4OX-aX_b8z_YLeUSKhT8rTY7UL7mqmsbe5K74xqYIxw4izrT9AjvvMs2sI7PG3958_fd5AkkAmBD65_gB0LshEgORKI8Apkbiu-aQZbYw-r https://people.com/ruby-franke-sisters-speak-out-after-arrest-7965412 https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/ruby-franke-to-enter-plea-agreement-on-child-abuse-charges-attorney-says https://kutv.com/news/8-passengers-case/ruby-frankes-testimony-may-spur-plea-deal-for-co-defendant-jodi-hildebrandt-8-passengers-connextions-classroom-jury-st-george-prison https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/09/22/family-vlogger-controversy-viewers/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/09/06/parenting-influencers-child-earnings/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Gweneth Paltrow, to Scandoval, to pelting celebs on stage - it’s time to tip our holiday hats to all the best dramas of 2023. In this hilariously scandalizing wrap up, Kiki is joined by Ryan Bailey, host of the Betches podcast So Bad It’s Good, to sum up the top 8 Pop Crime celebrity moments of 2023 and why Ryan predicts 2024 will be a wild year. @sobaditsgoodwithryanbailey Sources: https://www.marieclaire.com.au/latest-news/fans-throw-objects-hit-celebrities-on-stage/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12343649/Fan-threw-36G-bra-Drake-concert-reveals-major-Playboy-update.html https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/19/drew-barrymore-talkshow-writers-strike-video https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/10/04/drew-barrymore-show-writers-refuse-to-return-after-wga-strike-ends-report-says/?sh=554c2db5305c https://people.com/celebrity/celebrity-breakups-of-2023/ https://people.com/movies/gwyneth-paltrow-skiing-trial-biggest-bombshells/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/11/donald-trump-legal-cases-charges/675531/ https://www.insider.com/explainer-everything-that-went-wrong-burning-man-festival-so-far-2023-9 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/guide-george-santos-lies.html https://time.com/6279818/vanderpump-rules-finale-scandoval/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Santos is trying to turn a mountain of lies into a pot of gold, will he succeed or has the American public had enough of him? In this episode, Kiki dissects all the known lies of the disgraced Republican Congressman and how Santos got away with so much absurdity for as long as he did. Later, Kiki is joined by Betches co-founder, Sami Sage, to discuss Santos’ breaking interview with comedian Ziwe Fumudoh. @sami Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewdepietro/2022/10/21/the-wealthiest-congressional-districts-of-2022/?sh=dfc6c7a6f76f https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/08/25/with-his-resignation-new-yorks-cuomo-joins-small-group-of-u-s-governors-forced-out-against-their-will/ https://www.politico.com/news/2022/01/28/suozzi-hochul-governor-primary-00003068 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/guide-george-santos-lies.html https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/19/nyregion/george-santos-ny-republicans.html https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/nyregion/george-santos-loan-campaign-finances.html https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/nyregion/santos-accountant-nancy-marks-guilty.html https://www.reuters.com/legal/santos-ex-campaign-fundraiser-enters-guilty-plea-court-hearing-2023-11-14/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/11/16/what-is-redstone-strategies-george-santos-allegedly-used-shadowy-llc-to-spend-donors-cash-at-hermes-and-onlyfans/?sh=7863cb3964c8 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/guide-george-santos-lies.html https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/complaints/2021/comp-pr2021-74.pdf https://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-santos-harbor-city-capital-alleged-ponzi-scheme-sec/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-santos-harbor-city-capital-alleged-ponzi-scheme-sec/ https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/24/george-santos-lied-to-a-judge-in-2017-bid-to-help-a-family-friend-charged-with-fraud-00084341 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/guide-george-santos-lies.html https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/26/nyregion/george-santos-interview.html https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/21/politics/george-santos-denies-drag-queen-brazil-festival/index.html https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/22/george-santos-lies-republican-party-future https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/republicans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices